SALT LAKE CITY — Even as hundreds gathered together there Monday, a tranquil, patriotic silence settled over Fort Douglas Cemetery well in time for a solemn ceremony honoring and remembering U.S. military members and veterans.
The reverent atmosphere, in observance of Memorial Day, was a testament to the sacredness of the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemen and women over the generations, said Army Col. Sean Kirschner, commander of the Dugway Proving Ground and the ceremony's keynote speaker.
"Their stories and those of their families are the stories of this nation," Kirschner told those gathered, speaking of military veterans. "They deserve to be told, honored and remembered. ... We know that wars have a human dimension we can no longer hide behind or escape."
U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch also attended Monday's ceremony, which included a wreath laying and a gun salute. Many also participated in a ceremonial march to the cemetary, starting a quarter of a mile away at the Fort Douglas Museum Memorial Park. One group performed "America the Beautiful" a cappella and students from Suncrest Elementary School in Orem sang "Thank You Military."
"When I look at those men and women serving us today, they are the cream of the crop," Hatch told those in attendance. "They have stood up for this country like nobody else. ... God bless us that we might realize the value of this nation, not just for us, but around the world."
Hatch shared with the crowd that his brother was killed in World War II while flying over Austria. He also lost a brother in the Vietnam war. Hatch said those life experiences and his own world travels as a senator have taught him to be grateful to live in the United States.
"We ought to thank God every day for the privilege of being an American," Hatch said.
Kirschner said he is thankful Memorial Day is held during the spring. The time of year adds to the symbolism of the day, he said.
"It is a time of renewal and strength after a winter of loss and bitterness," Kirschner said in his address.
Kirschner focused some of his remarks on the strength of military service members' families, saying he is "overwhelmed" by their resolve. He quoted one of the nation's founders, Thomas Paine, as saying, "Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it."
"When was the last time you passed someone wearing a ... baseball cap commemorating an iconic battle or war?" Kirschner asked. "Shake their hand, tell them you appreciate them and ... the years they gave so that you could be free."
Retired U.S. Army Col. Richard Abbott said the reflective ceremonies like the one held here and others throughout Utah and the nation, are an important part of keeping the sacrifice of war veterans at the forefront of the public consciousness.
"If we forget this, we've forgotten a lot of history in the first place, and we've forgotten a lot of sacrifice," Abbott told the Deseret News, gesturing around the cemetery. "There's a sense of calmness, a sense of camaraderie (here) that's unique. It's something I've never felt since I retired." The sacrifice and suffering of military veterans often goes unseen because of trauma that is more internal than external, Abbott said.
"I don't think a lot of people realize the commitment involved in being in the military," he said. "It's hard to put into words exactly."
That sense of commitment and belonging is one shared by U.S. Army Private Daisy Benavides.
"People don't appreciate veterans (the way) they used to anymore," Benavides said. "I really hope that message gets out — that we support our troops as best as possible."
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