Memorial Day Program-History Behind The Holiday5 min read

By May Hunter

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes. On Monday, May, 29, the Iron County Veterans Coalition Memorial Day Program took place at the Cedar City Cemetery. It made everyone there proud to be an American. To know, that we all have our freedom because of those men and women who fought for us. Memorial Day is a day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of column contemplation over the cost of freedom. There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right with America.

Over 100 men, women and children attended the hour-long program. We had tears in our eyes and pride in our hearts.

Welcome by Larry Bell, Commander of American Legion Post #74. Star Spangled Banner, sang by Sylvia Rasmussen. Reading Of POW/MIA Table-Tris Colman, 1st Vice Commander American Legion Post #74. Laying of the Wreath-Georgia Johnson, Charmaine Beckman. Reading of names of Utah Veterans who died in combat-Richard Beckman. Rifle Volley and Taps-Honor Guard.

The Cadets of the Civil Air Patrol raised the colors of the United States of America & the POW/ MIA Flag.

Major Jeffrey Quarnberg, Professor of Military Services:
“As we gathered at the Cedar City cemetery for the Memorial Day Celebration, we honor all those who have gone on before us, and were reminded to continue to mourn their loss, but most of all, to celebrate their lives. God bless America and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We often intertwine the following days: Armed Forces Day-for those currently wearing the uniform. Veteran’s Day-for those who wore the uniform. Memorial Day-for those who never made it out of the uniform.

On June 6th we will recognize the 80th anniversary of D-Day. I am reminded of the trip I took with my young cadets and future Army leaders to Belgium and France. We visited the battlefields of WW1 where we walked the site of Passchendale where so many lives were lost fighting in the mud, living and fighting in the trenches for months on end. We witnessed the effects of offensive mining when we visited the Lochnagar Crater. We made our way across Northern France and saw the many cemeteries of military members from Australia, Britain, Canada, the United States, and other countries.

We traveled to Normandy, France where we visited Utah and Omaha Beach. Seeing the rows upon rows of grave markers of those who never made it home. It was awe inspiring for these young cadets, soon to be lieutenants, witness in person the results of warfare and the sacrifices that were by military members and their families.

I often share with my cadets and my 5th graders the story of bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the 213th FA who fought so courageously in Korea but who were blessed to bring every soldier home.

While Memorial Day is meant to recognize those who paid the ultimate price, these days of recognition Armed Forces Day, Veteran’s Day, and Memorial Day will forever be inextricably intertwined. Ronald Reagan stated “The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we-in a less final, less heroic way-to be willing to give of ourselves”.

Remember who stands ready to protect our freedom, and remember those who died to keep freedom safe. It’s up to us to honor them, in our own way, by trying to make the country they died for a better place. May we celebrate this day in recognizing those who never made it out of uniform or those who died by taking care of the living for many of them, their battle has not ended. God keep us safe, God bless the military members and their families, God Bless America”.

There was representation from WW1, Korean War, Cedar City Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Army Cadets, all branches of the U.S. Military. Flag lowered to half mast with taps. Veteran’s Coalition member closing remarks-We do not forget. Whether it’s an hour ago or a century ago, we remember. There are so many examples of our country honoring ALL of our fallen heroes, regardless of how many decades or centuries have passed. We honor these heroes, by supporting those who are currently serving in our armed forces. Whether at a domestic base or in a combat zone, military service comes with inherent dangers.

We can debate the war’s legacy and what it means for the future of American foreign policy. But remember who stands ready to protect our freedom to have those debates and remember those who died to keep that freedom safe. It’s up to us to honor them, in our own way, by trying to make the country they died for a better place. May we celebrate this day in recognizing those who never made it out of uniform and honor those who died by taking care of the living for many of them, their battle has not ended. As we express our gratitude-we will never forget!

Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave.