Memorial Day: Utahns pay tribute to fallen service members


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SALT LAKE CITY — Iraq war veteran Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton reflected Monday on friends who were killed in battle the past 14 years.

His best friend died in an ambush in Iraq in 2002. A rocket propelled grenade took the life of another friend in 2003. Three years later, a friend died in a firefight in Afghanistan. In 2010, an improvised explosive device killed another friend.

"None of them wanted to die. None of them woke up that morning and said, 'Hey, I want to go die for my country,'" Burton said during a ceremony at the Fort Douglas Cemetery. "But they were ready to answer that call when it came."

Memorial Day, he said, is a time to think about those who went before and gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.

"What makes it different from other veterans holidays is this is a day we talk about those who were killed in action," said Burton, who heads the Utah National Guard.

The Fort Douglas program was among many similar events throughout Utah on Monday. They featured patriotic and spiritual songs, 21-gun salutes, ceremonial wreaths and tributes to soldiers past and present.

In a ceremony at the Provo City Cemetery, Col. Andrew Wood said he wanted to do more than memorialize the day. He spoke to the "hearts of my countrymen," hoping to get people to "recommit ourselves" to freedom at home and abroad.

Freedom is not free, but an unfinished work that is constantly challenged, he said before reading Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

"If we follow the spirit of these words we can unite ourselves with past generations of patriots and find the strength to accomplish the great unfinished task before us," Wood said.

In Lehi, the American Legion, Lehi Arts Council and officials honored veterans at the city cemetery.

Quin Allred, the American Legion Post 19 commander, said Memorial Day is for more than barbeques and fishing trips.

Photo credit: Chris Samuels/Deseret News

"The reason we have always done this is to remember and honor the veterans from Lehi who have served before and who are still serving," he said.

The day is also reserved for recalling family and friends who have passed away, said Lehi Mayor Bert Wilson.

"It's a time to remember the lessons learned and to make resolutions to live better," he added.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, 3,000 American flags decorated the graves.

“We all benefit from the sacrifices of our forebears whose hard work made our country and way of life what it is today,” said Spencer Larkin, Larkin Mortuary president and CEO.

Gov. Gary R. Herbert authorized the American and Utah flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to noon. He asked Utahns no matter their holiday weekend plans to take time to show gratitude for those who fought for freedom.

"I hope everyone has the opportunity this Memorial Day to recognize the day for its original intent: remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United State armed forces," he said in a statement.

Contributing: Sam Penrod

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