Serve Daily - Memorial Day events in South County

Solemn ceremonies have been planned for Memorial Day weekend to remember those military personnel who have died in battle while in the service of their country.

American Legion posts in several South County towns have taken the lead in arranging elaborate patriotic Memorial Day ceremonies.

“They’re to honor veterans of all wars,” said Keith Davis, secretary for Post 28 in Springville. “If it wasn’t for veterans we wouldn’t be living like we are today. We wouldn’t have our freedom like we have.”

Springville’s ceremony is typical of what each post does:

Springville’s American Legion Post 28 has planned the small city’s ceremony to start at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, at Evergreen Cemetery. Richard Money, chairman of the post’s Veterans Memorial Board will give an introduction and welcome. David Wilkinson, the invocation.

Post 28 Commander Fred Hurst and Vice Commander Stan Jorgensen will do the U.S. Flag Raising while “To The Colors” will be performed by Marcie Harris on her trumpet. Carol Hurst will lead in the Pledge of Allegiance; Sally Talbot will sing the National Anthem.

Guest Speaker: Army M/Sgt. Dorian Williamson. Michelle Olson, Salley Talbot and Julie Tibbs then are to sing America the Beautiful. Following remarks by Springville Mayor Wilford Clyde will be three volleys of a gun salute led by Kay Bills and presented by Post 28 members.

After Taps and Echo is performed by Marcie Harris, Richard Money will bring the Memorial Day Ceremony to a close.

Mapleton: At 9 a.m. Monday, May 29 in Mapleton, the city’s annual Flag Raising Ceremony is to take place at Mapleton City Park, where there is a Veteran’s Memorial. The ceremony is to be followed by a pancake breakfast in the pavilion.

“We encourage families to bring your children to this special occasion and help them understand the value of freedom and the sacrifices made to keep our country free,” wrote Mayor Brian Wall in his monthly newsletter. “I encourage each of you to come to this patriotic service and give thanks for the freedoms we all enjoy.”

Lawn chairs are suggested for attendees at the Flag Raising Ceremony in Mapleton.

Salem: The Spanish Fork American Legion Post 68 is to conduct Salem Memorial Day services at 8 a.m. Monday, May 29, at the Salem City Cemetery, 965 South 130 East. Rich Whaley is to be guest speaker, Miss Salem contestants are to sing the National Anthem and Post 68 members are to present a 21-gun salute.

Santaquin: Memorial Day activities are to start at 7 a.m. Monday, May 29, with a pancake breakfast at the Santaquin City Fire station. Cost is $5/person or $20/family, with t-shirts available at $10/each.

The breakfast is to be available until 10 a.m., with all proceeds benefitting the Santaquin Fire Association, to fund training, equipment, community outreach and education.

At 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, American Legion Post 84 is to lead in honoring local veterans at the Veterans Monument in the Santaquin City Cemetery, 400 South 100 East. Guest speakers are to be Mayor Kirk Hunsaker and Art Adcock, Post 84 chaplain.

Spanish Fork: American Legion Post 68 is to lead at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 29, in the annual Memorial Day Patriotic Program honoring veterans buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East.

rVolunteers needed: In preparation for the Spanish Fork Memorial Day Program volunteers of all ages are needed to help setup the flags and crosses that honor all those that have served and are buried in the cemetery. Volunteer on Thursday, May 25 at 3 p.m. Bring your kids, scouts, friends and neighbors to join in this annual service opportunity.r

Payson: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 29. American Legion Post 48 Commander Gary Herbert for 14 years. Tim Clayson, a chaplain with the Utah National Guard, is to be guest speaker. Vocal Expressions of Payson is to sing. A Gun salute is to be presented by Post 48 and the Payson VFW.

Payson’s Memorial Day ceremonies are to include the releasing of about a dozen doves by Ben Glazner, owner of Elegant Dove Release of Santaquin. He often asks veterans or widows of veterans to help him release the doves, Herbert said.

Neither Elk Ridge nor Woodland Hills have planned Memorial Day ceremonies honoring the nation’s war dead.