By Ryan Oliver
The centerpiece of Orem''s new veterans'' memorial is a bronze statue of a nurse treating an injured soldier.
A crowd of people talked, took pictures and pointed at the statue Monday, May 26.
But some people in the crowd, mostly silver-haired men like World War II veteran Lee Bamgartner, stood misty-eyed and observed the statue solemnly and silently during its dedication.
When the 78-year-old Bamgartner finally spoke of why he worked on the committee to create the memorial located in the city''s cemetery, his voice cracked with emotion.
'It''s a special privilege and an emotional privilege to pay tribute to those not only who died, but to those who came back and lived for America,' he said. 'Each generation has something to offer, and we can lose it all too easily if we forget our destiny as a nation and what we fought for.'
This Memorial Day had special significance for the speakers at Monday''s dedication, including Senator Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and Congressman Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who compared America''s sacrifices in past wars to the nation''s effort in Iraq this year.
Bennett defended the war in Iraq against those who say the war is an example of American imperialism.
He quoted Colin Powell as saying, 'Americans have sent brave young men and women all over the world to fight for freedom, and the only land we''ve asked for in return is enough to buy those who don''t come back.'
Bennett said our veterans should be treasured because they were willing to sacrifice everything for the liberties of other people.
'Many lands have freedom and prosperity because America sent men to fight for it - even for people with whom we have no direct concern,' he said. 'Many people now have the same freedoms we enjoy in Utah County ... We didn''t just free the Koreans and Belgians. We freed the Japanese and Germans. We fought not for an empire, but for peace and freedom.'
Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn said the American military is continuing the 'gallant traditions of the past with the characteristic valor of those who preceded them.'
'Let us be proud to be American and continue to fight for our liberties,' he said.
Although the sculpture was planned before the war in Iraq began, sculptor Leroy Transfield said the efforts of those in the military were an inspiration to him.
'Because of what they did, the piece comes alive,' he said. 'While the war in Iraq was going on, the sculpture took on another meaning to me.'
Transfield explained that the concerned nurse in the sculpture represents the concerns of family, friends and spouses of those serving in the military.
The dedication of the memorial also included the singing of the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and a 21-gun salute. The memorial is a permanent fixture for the city, and was constructed largely by city workers.