HURRICANE — It was a picture-perfect day to honor our nation’s military heroes.
Holding to tradition, a tribute ceremony was held at the Washington County Fair to honor our local veterans, this year placing the spotlight on the Women in the Military. This public event, organized by Washington County Fair director, Susi Lafaele, with support from the Veterans Coalition of Southern Utah, was held on April 16 at Washington County Legacy Park near the Harmony building. A similar ceremony was held in 2021 to honor Korean War veterans, and in 2022 for Vietnam veterans.
Washington County board member, Ed Tracey, opened the tribute ceremony as twenty local female veterans marched in formation following bagpiper Joseph Gudmundson. Welcome remarks by Tracey were followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow, and the National Anthem performed by Candance Washburn.
David Cordero, representing the Veterans Coalition of Southern Utah, addressed the honorees with a speech that highlighted the various services rendered by women in defense of our country starting with the American Revolution to present times.
“We all know that women have proudly served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force as nurses, pilots, engineers, soldiers and other specialties. The United States of America has a rich military history that is full of important contributions from women,” said David Cordero, in his opening statement.
From the Revolutionary War to today’s fighter pilots, women have proudly served in the U.S. military for over 200 years.
There are nearly 2 million living women veterans in the United States. Women currently make up approximately 10 percent of the overall veteran population!
Cordero ended his speech by thanking all female veterans for creating the road map that has encouraged the next generation of young women to aspire to be anything they want to be in service to our nation.
Sergeant Marti Bigbie, who served in the U.S. Airforce from 1967 to 1973, addressed her fellow comrades. She spoke about the many barriers she had to push through as she made her way through the ranks. Her speech resonated with many, drawing laughter as she recanted some of her “unique” experiences dotted with lots of “firsts”.
Bigbie recently finished her term as American Legion’s Department of Utah Commander, the second woman to take on this role, the first being Audrey Wells who served in this position decades earlier. She is widely known for her steadfast devotion to serving and supporting fellow veterans throughout our community.
Ed Tracey performed a musical number, a stirring rendition of the song Let Freedom Ring, that drew notable applause. He was followed by Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist who read a proclamation. This proclamation, in short, recognized the great contributions of women who have served and are currently serving in the military.
Almquist then read the names of the female veterans who were present at the ceremony. The honorees included Martha (Marti) Bigbie, Christine A. Butterworth, Ruth Cox, Nancy Crowley, Tiffany Deliberto, Karen Foss, Constance J. Green, Amanda Hoops, Sheila Lanzel, Diana Hutchins Matozevich, Martha Minnick-McClure, Cheryl Larsen, Faye Laub, Jeanne Liken, Phoebe Love, Linda S. Rollins, Tamara Sower, Carol Vase, and Amy Verto.
Commissioner Victor Iverson ended the with ceremony with a heartfelt message of gratitude to all military women who have served stating “you, as the daughters of this great country, are not just veterans, but pioneers setting a great example to those who follow behind you.”
Color Country Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution assisted organizers with the ceremony, handing out American flags and greeting veterans as they arrived. They presented each honoree with a patriotic heart-shaped pin to wear as a Thank You for Your Service gift. All veterans in attendance who served between 1955-1975 were given the opportunity to receive their 50th Anniversary Vietnam War commemorative lapel pin and officially pinned on the spot.
Lite refreshments were served at the conclusion of the ceremony. Before departing, each honoree was given a framed copy of the proclamation issued by Washington County Commission to take home as a special memento.
Photo Gallery
Veteran Diana Hutchins Matozevich receiving her 50th Anniversary Vietnam War commemorative lapel pin from Karen Mangano, regent of Color Country Chapter DAR. Matozevich’s husband was also pinned. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter.
Veteran Sheila Lanzel receiving her 50th Anniversary Vietnam War commemorative lapel pin from Valerie king, honorary regent of Color Country Chapter DAR. Lanzel’s husband was also pinned. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Valerie King, Color Country Chapter.
Some of the honorees brought children to the tribute ceremony honoring our local Women in the Military. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Members of Color Country Chapter DAR handing out framed proclamations to honorees. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist reading the names of female veterans being recognized at the tribute ceremony held in their honor. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Local Women in the Military who were honored at the tribute ceremony. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Washington County Fair board member Ed Tracey welcoming attendees and guests at the tribute ceremony honoring our local Women in the Military. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the tribute ceremony honoring our local Women in the Military. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Air Force veteran Marti Bigbie addressing fellow female veterans at tribute ceremony held in their honor. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
David Cordero, representing the Veterans Coalition of Southern Utah, speaking to the audience at the tribute ceremony for Women in the Military. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.
Female veterans being led to the tribute ceremony held in their honor by bagpiper Joseph Gudmundson. Washington County Fairgrounds Legacy Park, April 16. Photo courtesy of Chris Caldwell.