Green River KOA hosts Memorial Day program

By Patsy Stoddard
Editor

The Green River KOA hosted the third annual Veterans Memorial Day Thank You event. Denice McConnell and Joe West welcomed everyone to the event. She introduced Green River Mayor Pat Brady. Brady thanked all of the veterans for their service, all those serving now and those who have served in the past and to those who have passed on. “We appreciate your service for our freedom. Troop 289 will present the flag ceremony and the pledge of allegiance. Tawni Jensen will sing the National Anthem.
Mayor Brady thanked Kent Johnson and the boy scouts. Pastor Kirk Dunham presented the opening prayer. He said Memorial Day had its origins back in the Civil War days. Some 600,000 were killed in this war. There were some women who wanted to decorate the graves of the Union soldiers. So they did that and then a whirlwind came along and scattered the flowers over all the graves, Confederate and Union alike. The purpose of this day is not to forget those who have served.
JoAnne Chandler said in Green River over the years they have sent 650 to war. They sent 40 invitations to those who have served who currently live in Green River. She invited everyone to come to the Veterans display in the John Wesley Powell Museum in the basement. She thanked all Veterans.
Sandi Silliman presented information on where the Purple Heart recognition came from. It originated in George Washington’s day. The names of those receiving the award were listed in a book of merit. This book was lost. In 1927 the idea of the Purple Heart recognition was considered again and in 1931 General Douglas McArthur brought the award back. It is the oldest military award. It is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The award has a bronze border and the George Washington coat of arms. Silliman said the award can be presented after a soldier has died to a next of kin. The relatives can display the award, but it is not to be worn. She displayed the purple heart which is in her family. The award belongs to her Uncle Orson Wareham who was killed at Normandy. She said he is buried in France and a family takes care of his grave there. She has a picture of her Uncle’s grave there. He lived in Ferron, Utah and was the son of Orlando and LaCorn Wareham. Recently a relative placed a marker at the Ferron Cemetery so this soldier can be remembered in his hometown.
Mayor Brady announced at the first Veterans thank you it was expressed the need for a veteran’s memorial in Green River. This memorial has been approved and has been designed and construction will begin soon. The monument will be placed at the Museum and will be surrounded by trees and flowers. Plans are to dedicate the flag poles for this memorial on Aug. 14. A dedication will take place at a later date upon completion of the monument.
Mayor Brady said there will be a group of motorcyclists in town on this day and will be here for the dedication. Mayor Brady thanked the monument committee for the work they have done to get this dream brought to reality.
At this point in the program, Veterans came forth and told where they served and then went and stood by the flag of their branch of the military. Family members of service members told of their loved ones service. One man, Charley Harper who was staying at the KOA was visiting all the way from Georgia. The veterans received a flag and a gift.
Mayor Brady said his love of his country grows daily as he thinks of the sacrifices of those who have served our country. Every day we wake up we should be thankful for what the servicemen and women have done. “Thanks for your willingness to serve. It will never be forgotten,” said Mayor Brady.
Joe and Denice thanked everyone for coming and expressed their appreciation for the new tradition of thanking our Veterans and they will work to see the program continues in the future. Joe and Denice presented Mayor Brady with a check for $1,000 to go towards the Veterans Memorial fund. She encouraged everyone to donate and there was a donation box on the refreshment table.