12 Utah veterans will be saluted at U.

University of Utah officials are planning to honor a dozen veterans from this state who served in conflicts from World War II to the Desert Storm war of 1991.

To mark Veterans Day, which is on Tuesday, the U. also will field a panel discussion on the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. The four-soldier panel discussion starts at 8:45 a.m. in the university's Union Building. Participants are four soldiers from the Utah National Guard 19th Special Forces who recently returned from service in Afghanistan.

The university is sponsoring a group of free, public events to mark Veterans Day.

Throughout the day, military vehicles will be displayed just south of the Union Building, including a half-track (half tank, half truck) used in World War II and the new Stryker armored vehicle.

The veterans will be honored in a full-dress military ceremony starting at 11 a.m. in the Union Building. Bernie Machen, outgoing U. president, is to present commemorative medallions to the honorees, and the ceremony will include a 21-gun salute.

At 7 p.m., the National Guard will hold its annual Veterans Day concert in the U.'s Huntsman Center. The 23rd Army Band and choruses of the Granite School District and the 82nd Airborne Choir will perform, says the U.

"At this time in our nation's history, we are especially mindful of the great sacrifices made by all our veterans and appreciate the opportunity to honor them for their services," Machen said, according to a university press release. "This annual commemoration program provides a rare occasion to hear from the people who have played a part in making our country's history."

Veterans to be honored are:

• Frank D. Arnold, Bountiful, who during World War II led a platoon transporting wounded to aid stations, often under fire.

• Oral B. Birch, Salt Lake City, whose plane was shot down by German anti-aircraft fire in World War II. He was kept in solitary confinement for 27 days, then sent to the prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft No. 1. He was liberated six months later.

• Donald L. Hoskins, Salt Lake City, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served as a Green Beret commander in Vietnam.

• Briant B. Jacobs, Salt Lake City, a World War II Navy man who survived the bombing of his ship in Leyte Gulf and a suicide plane hit on the ship.

• Nicholas Miller, Salt Lake City, a veteran of Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. He risked his safety to help the wounded while a medic in Vietnam.