By Julie Johansen
A large crowd filled the bleachers and surrounding area at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Castle Dale for a Veteran’s Day Program. Commander Mack Huntington conducted the program. He invited the Emery High School band to play and lead the National Anthem and the invocation was offered by Captain Hardman of American Legion Post 35. Veterans of World War II, Korean Conflict, Viet Nam, and Gulf Wars until the present, were invited to be seated behind the podium.
County commissioner Kent Wilson addressed the crowd. He felt honored to represent the commission and the quality citizens of Emery County. He gave thanks to the men and women who have served and told of his love, respect, and gratitude for the those who have chosen to do duty to their country with honor.
Sarah Swasey then sang a patriotic solo, “A Soldier’s Memoir” also paying tribute to the Veterans. Following the musical presentation Commander of Post 42, Ray Quinn, read the article “The Legacy of the American Veteran”. The military anthems of each branch of the service were then sang by the students of Castle Dale Elementary. Each grade rendering a different anthem and audience members who had served in that branch were invited to stand. Then the entire school concluded with “God Bless The USA.”
Commander Huntington called for the traditional Veteran’s Day tributes: Laying of the Wreath and the Guns Salute. The Retreat was played by Willie Frisbee with an echo from the high school band. The American Flag and Utah State Flag were lowered to half-mast in honor of all fallen soldiers. A very fitting tribute was played by the high school band, “God Bless America”, to conclude the program.
The audience was then invited for refreshments and to view the temporary Military Exhibit in the Museum of the San Rafael.
