Flags representing each branch of the U.S. military stirred in the quiet early morning Lehi breeze as the sun climbed over Red Mountain.

The American flag waved tallest in the middle as the sunlight illuminated the red desert soil surrounding the Lehi Cemetery on May 25 during the Memorial Day program.

Community members filed into the new Veterans Memorial to pay homage to the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Pastor Len Andrews emceed the event.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council member Deanna Scabby gave the opening prayer for the program. Martha Martinez sang the national anthem in O’odham, and all attendees joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

3 Takeaways:

• The Memorial Day ceremony in Lehi honored the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• SRPMIC President Martin Harvier recalled being a young man during the Vietnam War and expressed gratitude for those who have served.
• Community artist Jeffrey Fulwilder’s plaque was revealed by Veterans Representative Amanda White.

Opening remarks were made by SRPMIC President Martin Harvier, who talked about the history of Memorial Day and what it was like living during the time of the Vietnam War. Harvier remembered how life was then for young people his age getting out of high school, with the fear of the draft looming over their lives.

“It wasn’t a decision [if you wanted to go or not]. It was like you were going to go. It was just everything that was going on at the time. There was a lot of fear,” recalled Harvier. “I think those that stepped forward and served have allowed our young people today to not have those feelings or thoughts because of the sacrifice that many have made.”

Veterans Representative Amanda White took to the lectern to reveal a new addition to the memorial, which was recently completed. When White started her position about six years ago, she got the chance to meet veterans from Lehi and heard their stories. She built relationships with Community veterans Garnet Gates and Robert Aguilar in particular. They both shared White’s vision to create a memorial for veterans in Lehi. The three visited the site earlier this year, envisioning how these ideas were going to come together.

“I’m really proud of [the memorial],” said White. “That’s one of my missions I felt I completed. Today, seeing it fully completed and standing here before us truly is something special.”

Community artist Jeffrey Fulwilder created a new plaque and shield for the memorial, which were unveiled at the ceremony.

“[Fulwilder’s] craftmanship, his vision and his dedication brought this memorial shield and his statement piece to life,” said White. “His work stands as a lasting tribute in honoring the courage, sacrifice and devotion of our veterans, and their legacy will forever be remembered.”

On behalf of Gates, Rosanna Andrews and Carla Banuelos laid a wreath in honor of the nation’s fallen soldiers. After the wreath was laid, the grandson of Lehi resident and Vietnam veteran John F. Wilson Jr., Harvey Wilson Acosta, read “In Flanders Fields,” also known as “The Poppy Poem,” by John McCrae.

SRPMIC veterans performed a 21-gun salute before the playing of “Taps.”

As the program concluded, Council member Michael Dallas Sr. gave the closing prayer. Dallas thanked the SRPMIC Public Works Department and cemetery crew for all their work in preparing for the program. A breakfast reception was held after the event at the Lehi Community Building.