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Show Volume XVII Issue XXIV The Ogden Valley news Page June 1, 2010 In Memoriam of Our Women and Men in Uniform As another Memorial Day approaches, many Americans look on it as just another day off of work or school when they can sit around and barbecue hamburgers and drink soft drinks and beer. Yet, to those of us who are veterans, we know the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was established in 1868 to honor the memory of members of the American military who had died defending the United States of America. Its first official observance was on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of soldiers, both Union and Confederate, who died in the Civil War. It was later expanded to include all of the Americans who died in the wars fought by this country to preserve our freedom, and it became an official Federal Holiday in 1971. On this 2010 Memorial Day, I want everyone to look at some staggering figures about our American heroes. Beginning with the American Revolution, a total of 43,362,376 men and women have served in the U.S Military during all of the wars we have fought including the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 655,231 were killed in battle while another 540,254 died during their service due to other causes. That is a total of 1,195,485 Americans who have died in wartime while wearing the uniform of our country. In addition, 1,468,196 have been wounded. There are currently approximately 24,000,000 military veterans still alive in our nation. So, who were these people, who, as someone pointed out, wrote a blank check to their country laying their lives on the line for poor pay and often deplorable living conditions. They were, and still are, our fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and friends and neighbors. They fought and they died at places that the history books often mention in passing, it they are mentioned at all—places like Saratoga and Yorktown where our freedom was secured, and battlefields like Gettysburg and Fredericksburg, where many brave Americans died fighting each other. Then, there are the battlefields of World War I like Belleau Wood where U.S. Marines fought valiantly and suffered heavy casualties to stop the German advance, and the fights during World War II on the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima that opened the door for American victories in Europe and the Pacific. Turn next to the Vietnam War where over 55,000 Americans died yet never lost a battle. POWDER MTN cont. from page 1 about 100 residents living at the base of Powder Mountain near Wolf Creek Resort. Today, many of these residents are viewing the MOU as the lesser of two evils; an option that looks brighter than being forced into a town they will have no say in, and the likelihood of higher taxes. The community is being asked to attend the Weber County Public Hearing to voice their opinion. The MOU allows for 2,800 dwelling units, 1,600 more than the Weber Planning Commission recommends. It also calls for phased development, with a proposed 1,500 units being developed in phase one. Weber County planner Scott Mendoza stated that density would be limited by infrastructure, and no density would be allowed until developers showed the necessary infra- However, through the actions of the politicians in Washington D.C. the war itself was ultimately lost, and the history books blame it on the military. Yet, it was the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who fought that war who were often ignored or even spat upon when they returned home. It was not until recently that their contribution to the freedom of our nation was acknowledged. To them, I can only say, “Welcome Home.” Well done my brothers and sisters in arms. Since then our valiant heroes have fought and died in Grenada, Panama, Operation Desert Storm, and the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, liberal politicians and members of the left wing news media continue to attack them for doing the job of defending freedom. Our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are subjected to Rules of Engagement by the current administration that severely limits their ability to protect themselves and our way of life; this is being done under the banner of “political correctness.” There is no such thing as a “politically correct” war. When the lives of Americans are threatened and our very existence hangs in the balance, there is only one way to fight, and that is to win. Our men and women in our military know this, and despite the restrictions imposed upon them by politicians who have never served in the military and know nothing about the sacrifices required, our troops continue to do their duty to us and our nation. On this Memorial Day we must honor them and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They were, and are, the best of us. If we allow them to be forgotten, then we inevitably lose our own identity as a free people and “the government of the people, by the people, for the people,” will indeed “perish from the earth.” I will ask this of each person who reads this— enjoy your Memorial Day, but make a special effort to contact someone, whether a family member, a friend, or even a stranger, who you know has served in the military or is currently serving. Just tell them, “Thank you for your service to our country.” You have no idea how much that will mean to them. Also, take a moment to honor those we have lost, either by visiting the grave of a veteran, or just saying a brief prayer. They will hear you and they will know that their sacrifices were not made in vain. National Trails Day 2010, “The Meeting of the Trails” National Trails Day 2010, “The Meeting of the Trails,” a celebration hosted by Weber Pathways, will be held Saturday, June 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Activities will being on the west side of the Weber River across from Fort Buenaventura with parking in the county-owned lot at the southernmost end of “A” Avenue in West Ogden. An alternate fun and easy access for Riverdale residents is to come along the trail from Riverdale. Weber Pathways will be celebrating with the community the completion of the following: 1. Ogden’s two major river trail connections—the mainline RR underpass and the underpass of the rail road spur south of 31st Street; and the paved trail between. 2. Underpass at 31st Street and at Parker Drive, which has been built for some time. 3. The completion of the Riverdale trail to its Southern boarder. 4. Ten continuous miles of the Ogden/Weber river “Centennial” trail system. We will be celebrating this event with a Trail Dedication Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and with activities from: o Wasatch Audubon Society, Bird Walk o Ogden Nature Center, Wetlands Activity o Northern Utah Disc Golf Association o Volkswalk, 5K and 10K Walk o Weber Morgan Health Dept., Step-It-Up Contest o Whitewater Research and Safety Institute o Peak Performance, Fun Run o Ogden Bicycle Collective o WSU Outdoor Program o Idlewire Pet Care, Dog Walk o Ogden River Restoration Project o Utah Whitewater Club o Weber Basin Anglers The event is free to the public, and everyone is welcome! Come and enjoy food and live music. This is the 12th annual National Trails Day event sponsored by Weber Pathways. Each year there has been some new trail or amenity to celMichael Connelly ebrate in Weber County. But this year is even U.S. Army Veteran more exciting than ever. For decades, there have mrobertc@hotmail.com been dreams and plans for a continuous trail syswww.michaelconnelly.viviti.com tem along the Ogden and Weber Rivers. Then, dreamers and doers started building trails where they could, like dashes on a map, with the thought structure was in place—including a secondary that, bit by bit, connections would be made. “If access road to the resort before phase two could you build it, they will come” was the thinking. proceed. And “come” they have! Multiple urban dwellers What is seen as a loophole in the MOU is the opportunity for developers to withdraw from the MOU within 15 days of either the approval or the denial by the county of a proposed 1,500 acre, high density development called Eden Heights that would be located on the foothills above Eden. Critics of the MOU urge, “If you’ve never Call for a attended a public hearing before, or will never FREE quote. again in the future, please attend this one. The ramifications and stakes that hinge on the outcome of this meeting may never be higher. No matter what part of the community you live in, the County giving in to developers will definitely alter the physical, social, environmental, and economic complexion of Ogden Valley forever.” Independent Pest Control get ready for summer with haf gym-only membership! June special - space limited Gym memberships only $25 per month/per per person. Certain restrictions and rules apply, please contact HAF for details. No classes with have come to cherish the experience of being out in nature right in the center of our cities. For years Ogden, Riverdale, West Haven, and Weber County have diligently moved forward with the trails and their connections (bridges, underpasses, etc). The most difficult and costly one of all has been the underpass under four railroad tracks next to the Weber River. Never mind the engineering and construction being so complex and costly. Perhaps more difficult is years of wading through the miles of red tape and road blocks of getting permission from a variety of state and federal agencies and the railroad. To get permission to go underneath the tracks, next to the river in this age of liabilities, is nothing short of a miracle. It is a miracle brought about by the dogged determination of dedicated people who have vision. Year by year we have witnessed the progress of the river trail system. It is almost astonishing to realize that it is actually being connected altogether from the mouth of Ogden Canyon at 12th Street to the south end of Riverdale City. The Ogden Trails Network members have been huge contributors to this project. They not only worked on the river trails in Ogden, but have also assisted Riverdale City on the north end of the Riverdale Weber River Parkway. Much of what has been done is due to the Ogden Trails Network members’ ideas, influence, and hard work. Ogden Trails Network commitment to this project has been going on since before Weber Pathways even existed. Weber Pathways has also been an integral part of this progress. It has helped facilitate, organize, energize, visualize, and even provide some of the funding. It seems the mind set of the community as a whole has changed a great deal in the past 15+ years. RAMP has also been a great catalyst and funding mechanism to get these hardest trail connections built. Many have been involved in this great effort. Our whole county will benefit both now and for unknown years to come. What a great community amenity it is to have an extensive trail system! So visit the trails and see the smiles of those who have discovered how wonderful they are. Because they are paved, the river trails are especially user friendly for all stages of life—stroller to wheelchair; all can enjoy them. Now that the trail is continuous for over 10 miles, the more energetic sort can lace up their running shoes or hop on their bike and really feel the breeze on their face as they speed along—away from traffic and surrounded by nature. For more information, call 801-393-2304 or email <outreach@weberpathways.org> Only $25 per month! Not valid for existing members. this membership! Call (801) 745-1700 to sign up now. 4776 East 2600 North ~ Eden Located down behind the old car wash at the end of the cul-de-sac. 23 West 150 North Morgan, 801.829.3767 www.lemontreemorgan.com Come Celebrate Memorial Week with us! Accessories florals custom art candles seasonal decor a little something for everyone June 1 - 5 Find prices that will truely make you want to celebrate! #1 in Customer Service Guaranteed Results Guaranteed Low Price Safe for Children and Pets Insects t Hornets Spiders t Wasps t Roaches t Ants t Box Elder Bugs Jason Clark, Owner Military/Veteran/ (801) 791-4641 Senior Discounts jclarkipc@gmail.com t t |
