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Show Veterans Honored and Remembered For Their Service N?' i 'Li h i - i vHU . '!. ' ' I I - J - - Pleasant Grove City held their Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, at the Pleasant Grove Memorial Gardens. The program began with City Administrator Scott Darrington welcoming everyone. The Pleasant Grove Fire Department looked sharp in their uniforms as they presented the colors for the flag ceremony. Eldon Willes, who served in the Navy in Korea, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Val Danklef gave the opening remarks. Mark E. Bezzant was the featured speaker. "This place is sacred for here lies the mortal remains of those we love and who have loved us," he stated. "Here lies the remains of soliers who gave their last full measure of devotion. The granite stone here represents those who gave that last full measure of devotion. Here, etched on these beautiful granite walls, are the names of those we honor this day from this community," he added. Mark spoke of important dates and times in U.S. History as well as great leaders such as Washington and Lincoln. He spoke of Gettysburg and Lincoln's famous address, Washington on the Delaware River, WWI, December 7, 1941, Vietnam and September 11, 2001. He spoke of the cost of freedom and how it was a miracle that this nation survived. Before the Pleasant Grove Memorial Gardens was built in Pleasant Grove, Mark felt we had not done justice to our honored Veteran;.. "We could have done more," he said. "The soldiers in Vietnam needed to be recognized." Mayor Cornell Haynie and Studentbody President Justin Bone found those soldiers who had never been thanked. They found everyone one of those people and their parents, presented them with a certificated signed by Mr. Haynie and the mayor of Lindon. They met at Battle Creek Park and established a memorial for these Veterans. Mark commented, "It was a touching day to see them come, honored and finally thanked," said Mark. 'it was touching to see the gold star mothers whose sons lay in this- cemetery come and receive a certificate of thanks. The trees that were planted for each Veteran are now tall. President Wilson wanted this to be a day when we talked of peace.' From this community, we still send soldiers to war. We also send emissaries of peace, to declare peace on earth, good will to men." He mentioned the names of those from our community that have gone forth to do that. Gerald Fasbender and Eldon Willes reminisce about their service in Korea after the Veterans Day Program. Mark continued, "We are most blessed to be in this beautiful community. From these honored dead, we do take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave their last full measure of devotion. Another generation will be taught that this government of the "Veterans" continued on Page 4 "Veterans" continued from Page 1 Following Bezzant's remarks, Mark Petersen sang A cappella "America The Beautiful". Towards the end of his performance, white doves were released into the air. people, by the people, and for the people must never perish from the earth for it is the last best hope of mankind. I salute all of you and all those who are not with us today. The years are taking their toll, but what can never be killed, and what must never be killed, and that is the spirit. The spirit that caused those patriots to say give me liberty or give me death." |