Giving thanks for Veterans Day

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Trumpets, Miss Orem, and the BYU ROTC gathered in freezing temperatures at the Orem Cemetery to honor veterans like Jeff Long. Long received a purple heart when a suicide bomber left severe burns on his face and hands.

“Find a veteran and find out those stories,” he said emotionally. “If you don’t, you’re missing out.”

For some service men and women, hearing a “thanks” like they did at the ceremony has only happened in more recent years.

“When I first returned from Vietnam I didn’t get thanks at all. In fact I was treated horribly,” said Kenneth Bona. However, he also said the gratitude makes the sacrifice worth it. “It makes me proud because I did serve my country, put in 22 years and I did it for my country. It makes me feel good inside.”

At the cemetery, along with honoring veteran’s sacrifices, they also performed the annual flag exchange ceremony.

Members from Orem High School Student Council helped take down the old flags and replace them with new ones. This tradition has honored veterans since 1991.

Orem Mayor Jim Evans also gave words of support for the local heroes at the event. “Because of the great sacrifices that they make and the heroes that they are, we’re grateful,” he said.

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