‘Never forget’: Veterans observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day with family, friends in Cedar City

Written by Jeff Richards
September 19, 2022
"POW/MIA National Recognition Day" ceremony, Cedar City, Utah, Sept. 16, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

CEDAR CITY — Military veterans, their families and friends gathered for a short ceremony in Cedar City on Friday in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

American Legion Post 74 members perform a 21-gun salute during “POW/MIA National Recognition Day” ceremony, Cedar City, Utah, Sept. 16, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

“You are not forgotten” was the theme of the half-hour program, which featured multiple tributes to the many tens of thousands of service members whose whereabouts are unknown, including those classified as prisoners of war or as missing in action.

The event, which took place on the Southern Utah University campus, was organized and sponsored by SUU’s Veterans Resource and Support Center with the participation and support of Iron County Veterans Coalition.

The tributes included a helicopter flyover, musical numbers, a flag ceremony, a moment of silence and a 21-gun salute.

John Fenn, commander of American Legion Post 74, pointed out a small table on display, called a “Missing Man Table” and spoke of the symbolism and significance of each item on the table.

“We will never forget. We will never let the world forget about the brothers and sisters that never returned,” Ron Vargas, a Vietnam veteran and retired law enforcement officer, said during his brief remarks.

After Cedar City Civic Air Patrol cadets performed a solemn flag raising ceremony at the flagpoles near SUU’s physical education building, a moment of silence was observed. That was followed by a 21-gun salute by members of American Legion Post 74.

The beginning of the program featured welcoming remarks by SUU student and Navy veteran Wes Weaver, after which young vocalist Sydney Rasmussen performed the national anthem.

At intervals during the program, two musical selections were performed by bagpiper Dan Jones. Then, at the conclusion, SUU student and military veteran William Clemons played “Taps.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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