96 South Main Street, Nephi, Utah 84648 - Voice: 435 623-0525 - FAX: 435 623-4735
News for
November 20, 2024

 

By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent

Veterans Day in Nephi was celebrated at the memorial on 100 East and 100 North at 5 p.m. and was filled with music, patriotic speeches, a 21-gun salute and echo taps.

The Lions Club sponsored the event as they were the sponsors of creating the memorial several years ago.

Robert Painter, representing the Lions Club, welcomed those in attendance and introduced the program, the guest speaker, Congressman Burgess Owens, and ended the ceremony by offering remarks.

After Painter’s introduction, Owens took the podium to offer his remarks.

“Thank you for the opportunity to join you here in Juab County on this important day as we honor our veterans. Today, we gather to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States and have dedicated their lives to the protection of our freedoms,” said Owens.

He said that Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the courage, commitment, and sacrifices made by these brave Americans. It’s a day to honor those who served in war and in peace, whether on the front lines of conflict or standing watch in times of calm. Each of them, through their service, has contributed to the safety and security of our nation.

“For me, this day is personal,” said Owens. “My father, a World War II veteran, and my grandfather, who served in World War I, set a powerful example in my life. They both believed, as I do, that America is a nation worth fighting for, a nation where the values of freedom, liberty, and opportunity are held sacred.”

Veterans Day is a reminder that we must never take these freedoms for granted, he said.

Owens said that the men and women who served in our armed forces have defended them with everything they had, some making the ultimate sacrifice, others bearing the physical and emotional scars of their service.

“They stood tall in the face of danger, driven by a deep love of country and an unshakeable belief in the values that make America great,” he said.

“We honor all veterans today, those who had served in conflicts such as Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and those who served in times of peace,” said Owens. “From the soldiers who fought in the trenches of Europe, to the pilots who flew over enemy territory, to the sailors who patrolled our oceans, each veteran has left a lasting legacy of service.”

He said that our responsibility doesn’t end with just honoring them today.

“We have a duty to ensure that every veteran is treated with the dignity and respect they have earned,” Owens said. “That means supporting our veterans when they return home, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare, job opportunities, and a strong support network. It means standing with their families, who sacrifice alongside them. And it means listening to their stories and never forgetting the lessons they have taught us”.

He said that as we look to the future, let us be reminded of the words of President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

“Our veterans have fought to preserve this freedom, and it is our duty to protect it,” he said. “We must remain vigilant in safeguarding the values that they defended, the values of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.”

“In Utah, we are proud of our military heritage. We understand the importance of service and sacrifice, and we honor the courage of those who have answered the call to protect our way of life,” he said. “Today, as we stand together, let us also remember the men and women still serving around the world, those who continue to defend our freedoms.”

Owens paid tribute to all veterans.

“To our veterans here today, and to all those across the country, we say ‘Thank You.’ Thank you for your bravery, your service, and your sacrifice. Your contributions have made this nation what it is today, a beacon of hope, strength, and freedom” he said.

He asked that we may never forget the debt we owe to our veterans and that we may live in a way that honors their legacy, and always strive to build a nation that remains worthy of their sacrifice.

“Thank you, and may God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America,” said Owens.

At the beginning of the program, American Legion Chaplin Reid Jarrett offered the opening prayer and was followed by the flag raising ceremony presented by the Juab County Commissioners: Marty Palmer, chairman, Marvin Kenison and Clinton Painter.

The Pledge to the Flag was led by Shannon White.

Utah Highway Patrol Major Steve Salas and Juab County Sheriff Doug Anderson offered remarks.

Congressman Owens was followed by the Juab High School Choir who presented two patriotic numbers.

A 21-gun salute was then presented by the American Legion Post #1 followed by echo taps played by Steve Hart and Troy Rindlesbacher.

After the program, a flag retirement ceremony was held across the street by the fire station where old, tattered flags were burned.

After the ceremony was over, Justin Seely, Nephi City Mayor said, “In Nephi we are blessed with a community rich in individuals who have answered the call to serve. I feel a deep sense of pride in being part of the Lions Club which is committed to honoring these brave souls through the establishment of a memorial that reflects their immense contributions.”