Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Memorial Day is more than just a holiday from work. It's a day to honor service men and women who have passed. Utahns participated in different memorial activities across the state Monday.
Cemeteries were filled with American flags Monday. Each one represents the life of someone who served the country.
Related
Utahns, deploying soldiers pay tribute to service men and women
Utah National Guard soldiers preparing to deploy to Iraq are spending their last holiday at home paying tribute to the service men and women who have gone before them.The Utah State Veteran's Cemetery was a place for paying tribute for some, a place for prayer for others. For Bill Williams, it's a place to remember the grandfather and general he's not only named after, but nearby Camp Williams is named after as well.
"He actually started the National Guard in Utah," Williams aid. "He retired a two-star general, and then he founded Camp Williams."
Activities celebrated by Utahns range from remembering the service men and women who have passed to honoring those preparing to serve.
Another service Monday morning honored a Utah man who fought in the Vietnam War.
Paul Bloomquist of Clearfield flew 470 rescue missions during the war. This Memorial Day, he was inducted into the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame.
Sen. Bob Bennett, along with members of the armed forces, were there to present the special honor.
The families of military members hope people take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices their loved ones made.
"They're people who volunteer to save our lives and protect our way of life," said Sen. Orrin Hatch.
In West Jordan, city officials and state, military and ecclesiastical leaders gathered at Veteran Memorial Park for a special service.
They honored America's fallen heroes and paid tribute to five Utahns who have died in the last 12 months while serving the United States.
Honorees include West Jordan native Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, who was shot and killed by a gunman at Fort Hood. Nemelka would have celebrated his 20th birthday June 1.
"We have military people who are laying it all on the line to preserve that freedom for us here," said Gov. Gary Herbert.
E-mail: jstagg@ksl.com
