‘Land of the free’: Veterans honored at SunRiver

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
November 11, 2022

ST. GEORGE — Veterans sign a blank check that they are prepared to sacrifice their lives to defend the freedoms won by those who have gone before them. This was the message the keynote speaker of the SunRiver Veterans Honor Park Ceremony told the large gathering on Friday. 

Members of Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment #1270 participated in the flag ceremony at the 12th annual Veterans Honor Park Ceremony in honor of Veterans Day, St. George, Utah, Nov. 11, 2022 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Hundreds attended the 12th annual event at the park in honor of Veterans Day, which occurs each Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the ending of World War I.

Maj. Gen. William Gorton, U. S. Air Force (retired), said the holiday began 140 years ago when the guns fell silent in World War I. World War I began in 1914 when Germany allied with Austria, Hungary and Turkey and declared war on France, England, Russia and Italy. The ceremony at SunRiver honored the United States veterans and military members for their service.

Gorton also cautioned the crowd that today, the war is against socialism. He said our republic is at risk and “we must win this war for our children and grandchildren.”

“Because if we fail, they will be the ones who are called upon to undergo the crushing burden of socialism,” Gorton said. “I would ask you, as you gather some of your family and friends around the Thanksgiving table, to look closely at the children. And if you’re so inclined, pray to God that freedom and liberty shall not perish from this earth.”

Retired Maj. Gen. William Gorton, U.S. Air Force, was the guest speaker at the SunRiver Veterans Honor Park Ceremony 12th annual event at the park in honor of Veterans Day, St. George, Utah | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

The Patriot Guard Riders of Southern Utah opened the ceremony with a motorcycle escort. Members of the American Legion Post 142, Marine Corps League Detachment 1270 and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Honor Guard participated in the flag ceremony. John Mayer played the bagpipes. And the crowd was treated to homemade items for sale from the Color Country Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Valerie King of the Daughters of the American Revolution said their chapter has supported the event since 2016. She said it is always an honor to mingle with local veterans to say thank you once more and let them know how much they appreciate their service to our country.

“Our Land of the Free is because of them,” King said.

The group’s baked goods are offered for donation to support local veteran and active duty service projects and Wreaths Across America.

“Attendees are all very generous and we appreciate them supporting our service projects through their donations,” King said. “Money raised today will be used in part to buy the needed clothing, socks, underwear, T-shirts, shoes, sweaters and jackets for homeless veterans throughout our local community and state. Our campaign statement is, ‘This Veterans Day, Give Back by Helping a Veteran In Need.’”

To the surprise, emcee and USMC Marine Corps veteran Tom Cover and his wife Carole were presented with a handmade quilt for their decade of service with the SunRiver Veterans Honor Park and Ceremonies. Gene Rogers designed the quilt and Linda Ness and Mike Jennings did most of the sewing. Carl Berger provided the Photo and was printed on the fabric by Randy Doyle.

Cover also reminded the audience that commemorative bricks are on sale during Nov. for @200 each. The bricks can be placed at the park to honor veterans. For more information, contact Cover at 435-669-4141.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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