Utahns gather to salute veterans' sacrifice, service

PROVO — Across Utah County early Saturday morning, local residents made "a meager offering," as Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert likes to call it, to those men and women "who more than self their country loved."

Herbert addressed more than 100 residents who gathered for the annual Veterans Day program at the Orem Cemetery, 1500 North and 800 East.

Herbert told the crowd he'd been awake since 2 a.m., not because he was nervous about his speech, but because his daughter was about to give birth to his eighth grandchild. He said the birth of his grandson drew his mind into deep reflection.

"What kind of a world is he coming into?" Herbert asked aloud.

Herbert then contemplated the words of the song "America the Beautiful," particularly the stanza: "Oh beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years." He said the Founding Fathers of America established a great country for generations to come.

"The Founding Fathers would be pleased with what we've created," he said. "We all build upon those who've gone in the past, and we stand on the shoulders of others," he said.

Herbert also said he's grateful for those military people "who love their country more than self and helped others be liberated so they can enjoy the same privileges that we sometimes take for granted."

Being the chief elections officer for the state of Utah, Herbert couldn't refrain from commenting on the low number of voters who came out to cast their ballots during the election last week.

"If we really want to honor our veterans ... maybe a good way is if all of us participate in the election process," he said. "Get out and do the very minimal thing."

In Mapleton, nearly 40 residents gathered at the city park to watch the unveiling of a newly placed eagle statue. Former Mayor Dean Allan and his wife, Jean, donated the statue to the city in appreciation and recognition of local veterans who "gallantly defended the freedoms we enjoy today."

Dean, a veteran of the Korean War, said he and his wife originally saw the statue in August at a park in Provo, and they both thought the eagle belonged at the Veteran Memorial in Mapleton City Park. They purchased the statue and spoke to Mayor Jim Brady about donating it to the city. He gladly accepted.

Before Allan cut the ribbon at the unveiling ceremony, he acknowledged his children who helped him bring it to the park.

"We're giving away money they think they're gonna get when we die," he joked.

Gen. John Hafen of the Utah Air Force National Guard explained the eagle is a symbol of significance and importance.

"Living at the heights, the eagle soars above all others," he said. "The eagle represents an obligation to live to exemplify the qualities ... to soar above in service, accomplishment, example. It represents an obligation to live on a high plane in word and deed."

Hafen also said the eagle monument is an appropriate monument "to honor our military veterans for their service and sacrifice in the cause of liberty."

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