American Legion dedicates new war monument at museum
| Jack Allred and Tom Burr get ready to place a wreath at the World War II war monument at the new memorial in Castle Dale. |
The new Veterans War Memorial was officially dedicated in a ceremony on Nov. 12 at the Museum of the San Rafael in Castle Dale.
Emery County Commissioner Jeff Horrocks introduced those involved in the project. Local unit commander Ray Quinn spoke to those assembled. He said the dream of having a memorial has become a reality due to the many hours of hard work of many dedicated people.
The American Legion designed the war memorial and the Emery County Commission came up with the funding to build the project. Quinn expressed appreciation to Pat Worley for the granite monuments and to Gary Prazen for his work on the bronze statue of GI Joe. Quinn also thanked the Huntington Legion and Huntington City for the loan of the cannon from their city park. The Emery County road department refurbished the cannon at their shop and readied it for display.
“This memorial was built for all Veterans, both the living and the dead and for the thousands buried on foreign soil. This is hallowed ground to come and remember for those who have lived through the horrors of war. It is a healing monument and we invite you to visit the monument day or night.”
Quinn read a poem about the youth of today and whether or not they will remember the soldiers who have gone before. He said monuments like this and places of remembrance help keep the Veteran’s and their stories alive and honored.
Will they remember? Will they remember us when we are gone? Will any of this matter to the youth of tomorrow? Will they remember the wars fought and the democracy bought? Will they remember to show gratitude as a bugle blows taps? Will they remember the sacrifices made? Will they remember that freedom comes at a high price?
Commissioner Drew Sitterud read a letter from Sen. Robert Bennett. He said he deeply appreciates the sacrifice of the Veterans and wants to thank them for their sacrfices for our country. Some paid a great price and some paid the ultimate price. The new monument will be a lasting legacy of the sacrifices of those who put themselves in harm’s way. Veterans are those the modern soldiers look to as role models. They carry out their duties with courage and my thoughts and my thanks are with you all.
Pam Juliano representing Rep. Jim Matheson said he is always looking to improve the care of the Veterans and to continue to look for ways to serve those who have given so greatly. Juliano said the new flag at the war memorial flew over the Capitol in Washington D.C. and now flies over the new monument in Castle Dale. Rep Matheson continues to serve the Veterans and to serve those in this community. “It shows a great commitment to put such a fine monument to honor your Veterans in your community,” said Juliano.
Rep. Kay McIff heard once you can tell what kind of people you are by who you honor. He said he participated on June 6, 2004 at the services for family members at Normandy. It was the 60th year anniversary and he said they reiterated over and again how much they appreciated the American soldiers and their work during the war.
| Waco Randall and Bryce Syndergaard place a wreath at the war memorial. |
“They felt such a gratitude for the American soldier. It would be a very different world without those who have served in those far off places. Colin Powell said we have never fought a war to win territory, but only enough land to bury those who have fallen on foreign soil. On a British tombstone at the cemetery, an inscription from a young bride to her fallen soldier read: ‘There were many I know, but he was mine and I loved him so.’ This message brought home the personal nature of this war. Those words made it personal. The prize was enormous for all, but even greater for those who didn’t come home. Let us try to be worthy of the torch passed to us,” said McIff.
Gary Schwartz from the State American Legion said he has attended several Veteran’s Day observations this weekend and the crowd here in Emery County was the largest. He referred to Dwight Eisenhower who changed in 1954, Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day. Dwight was very proud of being a soldier, even more proud than being President of the United States. In 1779, George Washington said it is important that Veterans of earlier wars are appreciated and honored. This monument is a special place and for those involved it will have a special place in your heart.
The Emery High band played a variety of numbers throughout the memorial dedication. Emery County Veteran’s assisted by elementary school students placed a wreath at each of the five monuments and one in front of the soldier.
Russell Jensen and Merlin Christiansen placed the wreath at the World War I memorial. Tom Burr and Jack Allred placed the wreath at the World War II monument. Grant Wilson placed the wreath at the Korean War monument. Waco Randall and Bryce Syndergaard placed the wreath at the Vietnam War monument. Rex Randall placed the wreath at the Desert Storm. Commissioner Drew Sitterud placed the wreath at the GI Joe.
Commissioner Horrocks said that from this Veteran’s Day on, a wreath will be placed at each of the war monuments and the GI Joe statue on Veteran’s Day.
The American Legion presented a plaque to the Emery County Commissioners in appreciation for their work on the Veterans War Memorial.
Commissioner Horrocks finished the program by reading a poem and asking, “What would our country be without its Veterans?”
American Legion members from throughout the county participated in the presentation of the colors and the raising of the flag to full staff. The honor guard presented a 21 gun salute to dedicate the monument.