By Amy Nelson
anelson@newsroom.byu.edu
Residents gathered at the American Fork City Cemetery Monday to remember veterans and all those who died for the causes of freedom and peace.
Bill Pierce, a World War II veteran from the U.S. Army Special Forces, reminded roughly 200 attendees that the 'greatest responsibility government has to its people is to keep them safe and free.'
A big part of that, he said, is maintaining strong military forces.
Retired Col. J.H. Hadfield of the Utah Army National Guard gave a speech about the history of America's quest for freedom, beginning with unorganized groups of colonists and moving to the recent efforts of the military in Desert Storm.
Hadfield said the military presents a 'history of sacrifice and struggle of millions of Americans,' and the military's success is due to the people and their willingness to serve the nation.
'Our military has played a great role in the prayer of freedom,' Hadfield said, referring to military efforts in the many wars in the last century.
Hadfield told the story of the departure of American Fork-based troops who were called to serve in Desert Storm. As he followed the 13 buses full of military personnel to the freeway, he saw two World War II veterans standing near the side of the road with an American flag, giving strong salute to each bus as it passed by.
'That's what America is.' Hadfield said. 'That is what patriotism is.'
As he closed, Hadfield asked the people not to forget the lessons learned in Vietnam, Korea, and Desert Storm, and reminded listeners that the United States must maintain military strength to help world peace.
'Peace takes work, effort, and above all, strength,' Hadfield said.
Also as part of the Memorial Day program, American Fork essay speech contest winners presented their speeches about honesty and integrity. Each student was presented with a certificate from the Mayor and a $50 U.S. savings bond from Edward Jones Investment.
The color guard was presented by the 1457th Engineer Battalion from the Utah National Guard, and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by the American Fork Children's Choir.
The choir, directed by Lora Dunn, also performed two other patriotic pieces.
The ceremony came to a close with the call to colors and 'Taps' played by Cecil R. Hansen and echoed from two distant spots within the cemetery by Douglas Gardiner and Jared Hansen.