Remember America’s veterans this season on a trip to some of Utah’s memorials. The stunning parks, monuments and museums offer quiet atmospheres where you can reflect upon the great sacrifices made by the country’s servicemen and women.

 

On State Route 68, south of Bluffdale and north of Camp Williams, Veterans Memorial Park is a peaceful place to pay tribute to America’s brave servicemen and women. The 30-acre park was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1990, and includes a cemetery, chapel, Wall of Honor and museum. Panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains serve as an inspiring backdrop for the cemetery while the museum offers a close look at military history and memorabilia. The park is open throughout the year and you can find more information at www.utah.com/stateparks/veterans.htm.

 

In 2008, Cedar City’s Korean War Memorial was dedicated to the brave heroes from Utah and beyond who served in the Korean War. The memorial is located in Rotary Centennial Veterans Park and features a seven-foot-tall bronze soldier who stands with his head bowed as he salutes the helmet of a fallen comrade. The sculpture, created by artist Jerime Hooley, is meant to represent the "humble gratitude and respect" that Americans have for their veterans. At the dedication ceremony, South Korean Deputy Consul General Sung W. Shin had a special message for America’s veterans. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war. This is simply not true. The Korean government will never forget your dedication, sacrifices and suffering on behalf of the Republic of Korea." Learn more about the Korean War Memorial and the rest of the memorials in Cedar City’s Veteran Park at www.cedarcity.org/index.aspx?NID=250.

 

Laketown’s Henry Earley Park is home to the Veterans Memorial Monument where a beautifully engraved stone honors those who have served America. The top of the stone features a picture of an eagle beside a powerful message. “To honor the memory of all the veterans from this humble valley who have served in the armed forces of this great country. They have placed themselves in harms way in time of war and were available in peace to ensure the freedoms we hold dear.” Read the names of veterans engraved on the sides of the stone and take a moment to thank these brave heroes. See photos online at www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMBQYJ_Veterans_Memorial_Monument_in_the_Henry_Earley_Park_Laketown_UT.

 

Utah salutes veterans in many different ways; visit a memorial on your own or participate in a local ceremony. For more state memorials, check out www.utah.com.