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SALT LAKE CITY — Family members of fallen Utah soldiers filed onto the House floor, surrounding the legislative body around the edges of the room, while Rep. Justin Fawson, R-North Ogden, dressed in military uniform, honored them with poetry and a moment of silence Friday morning.
"It's humbling to be encircled by these families. This morning we gather in solemn remembrance of 16 of Utah's fallen service members," Fawson said.
"Courage is not restricted to the field of battle," he said. "It's found in every home that sends a son or daughter off in the service of their country."
Fawson recited the poem "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye and the song lyrics to "Hold On" by Michael McLean.
"Today, your loved ones are Utah's sons," Fawson said.
The House also held a moment of silence in the soldiers' honor, followed by the House recorder reading an official citation thanking them and honoring their families. The soldiers and their families also were recognized in the Senate.
The 16 fallen soldiers honored were: Sgt. Quincy Andrews Fenn; Capt. Mark Daniel Montgomery, Spc. Paul Sullivan, Pfc. Mason Price, Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Ned Morton, Staff Sgt. Rodney Grant Julander, Capt. Nicholas Vaughn Thomas, Staff Sgt. Geremy Stone Koyle, Staff Sgt. Aaron Rhett Butler, Sgt. Jacob Michael Armga, Sgt. Jason Charles Marshall, Sgt. Stuart Joshua Pendleton, Sgt. Jeremiah David Ortiz, Spc. Sean Michael O'Connor, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee Michael Smith, Sgt. 1st Class Kilby Edward Allen.
