Rename American Fork street to honor soldier?

AMERICAN FORK — When Sgt. Nathan Barnes' body came back from Iraq in July 2007, Derek Cannon was at the funeral, setting up flags.

Cannon was nine years younger than Barnes, his neighbor from around the corner who at age 23 was killed by enemy fire while serving with the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

The two had never been very close, but Cannon watched Barnes grow up from down the street. He had always admired Barnes' kindness and patriotism.

Now, two years later, 16-year-old Cannon is trying to get American Fork to rename 350 West between 700 North and 1120 North "Nathan Barnes Street." Tuesday night, Cannon appeared before the City Council to propose the idea.

"It is my hope that through changing this street we will be able to remember Nathan and all soldiers," Cannon said in his proposal to the City Council. "We cannot afford to forget at what price our freedoms come."

Kevin Barnes, Nathan's father, was at the meeting to support Cannon. Kevin Barnes said he has known Cannon for many years and thinks naming a street after his son would be a good way honor Nathan and all those who serve.

"I'm sure he would like this," Barnes said of his son, "but he'd probably be a little embarrassed, too."

As he was leaving the meeting, Cannon was stopped by Rick Hone, an American Fork resident who also served in the 10th Mountain Division. Hone didn't know Nathan Barnes but thanked him for his efforts to remember his fallen comrade.

"I'm a soldier," Hone told Cannon. "I was in Afghanistan while Nathan was in Iraq. Those are my brothers in arms, and we should immortalize them. … I want to donate to your cause."

Horn gave Cannon a donation to help raise money to buy new street signs, a cost the city estimates will near $1,200. The City Council scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for Nov. 24.

Until then, Cannon said he will keep raising money in hopes of honoring the neighbor he quietly watched for years and admires more than ever now.

e-mail: ashaha@desnews.com