By Julie Johansen
Suzanne Peterson showed a short video entitled “Blessed is the Nation” to begin the Emery County Historical Society tribute to veterans on Thursday evening. The film told the story of Francis Scott Key and the writing of the National Anthem.
Key was an attorney at the time of the American Revolution. He questioned if the American Flag was still standing after three hours of shelling and bombing by the British War Fleet at Fort Henry. Soldiers held the flag up until they perished and then others took their place. Patriotic bodies kept the flag flying. Afterward, Key penned the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Following the video, Bernice Payne, the conductor of the meeting, introduced Shawn Sitterud, Mac Sitterud, Ray Quinn and Danny Quinn. Mac Sitterud and Ray Quinn were a part of the Korean Conflict and were recognized as veterans.
Next, Shawn presented slideshows about Utah Honor Flight. Following the general information, he shared pictures of his father and Ray Quinn’s flight. Shawn and Danny accompanied their fathers’ flight previously. They explained that it was a very emotional time spent together as they experienced the respect shown to the recipients of the Honor Flights.
