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SALT LAKE CITY — Forty-eight of Utah’s heroes will spend Veterans Day in Washington after setting off on the 2019 Utah Honor Flight on Sunday.
Before boarding, Ron Jugenitz, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy, said being recognized during the flight would “mean quite a bit. It’s the first chance of being with veterans and it’s going to be a real nice trip.”
After arriving in in the nation’s capital, the veterans were expected to tour memorials dedicated to those who have served.
Jugenitz said seeing those memorials will “mean a lot to see what we’ve done and what past military has done in the wars.”
In a ceremony before the veterans were shuttled to the flight, Gov. Gary Herbert told them “you all represent the best of what America has to offer.”
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said they represent hope for unity in a nation now divided.
“This is the greatest nation in the history of the Earth. And it has been defended by the greatest generation, whether they’re young or old. You’re part of the greatest generation. We look to you who have served as the sentinels of freedom as heroes,” Romney said.
“And I’m sure, in some cases, you feel that that’s not a title that perhaps you want to go around and talk about, but you ought to recognize that we look to you to help unify our country. We’re divided right now in so many ways. And if we all come together as we see those who have served in uniform, and particularly those who have served in times of conflict, we look to you with hope and aspiration that we can once again have that sense of unity. And so I ask you to wear the title of hero proudly,” he said.
Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, said the event was a way to show that “we treasure the memory of those soldiers who died too young, as well as treasure the living history of those warriors who are with us here today.”
As the veterans later made their way to the gate at Salt Lake City International Airport, they were cheered on by well-wishers. Music from the Utah Pipe Band blared through the airport as the veterans headed to the gate.
Jugenitz said seeing community members come out to show their support is “an honor. It’s a real honor to go and be included in the celebration of our memorials and the people that have lost their lives.”
The event was co-sponsored by Nate Wade Subaru, according to event organizers. All travel expenses for the veterans were paid for.
The Utah Honor Flight Program to date has flown more than 1,500 veterans from Utah to Washington, D.C.
