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PAYSON — Utah continued its reputation for honoring veterans Saturday by rallying around a Utah native who served his state and country.
The ceremony was a surprise for the 90-year-old.
It was a historic day for the Gardner family as World War II veteran Joseph Max Gardner received a string of awards he'll never forget.
"Those Germans, they came to us like (you) can't believe right after they blew that wall up in France," Gardner said.
Most people read about it in history books, but for a select few still alive today, only they can describe what it's like to be a World War II veteran.
"I try to forget about things, once in awhile I’ll dream and I’ll wake up quick," Gardner said.
Saturday night may have seemed like he was dreaming, but the four medals Gardner received are very real — the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct, Sharp Shooter and the American Service Medal.
"These medals were very hard to earn and these are the ones you got if you go into combat overseas, which in those days was a tough thing to do," said Tim Matthews, commander of Wasatch Chapter One of Disabled Veterans.
Gardner started his service in North Africa and then went to Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, finally returning home to Utah once the war came to an end.
Dozens of family members and friends filled the Veterans Center to share their memories.
"He's a worker, he's a giver, and I hope we got that from him," said Jeanie Campbell, Gardner’s daughter. “He's not just all around military, he's a family man."
Gardner’s focus is on serving his loved ones now.
"My life is really to take care of my children and the grandchildren right now," he said.
A picture that captured a moment in history for Gardner now stands as a legacy for his entire family.
