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Veterans, young and old, along with their families and friends convened at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Taylor on May 25 for the Trapper Days Memorial Day service.
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Among those gathered were State Representative Walt Blackman and his wife, Kristi, the men and women from the Snowflake-Taylor American Legion Post 126, Heart 2 Heart Quilts from Heber-Overgaard, Navajo County Supervisor Jason Whiting and members of the Taylor Town Council.
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Eddie Hancock was the master of ceremonies, opening the event by saying, “It is wonderful when the little community of Taylor is able to celebrate Memorial Day in such a big way.”
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American Legion Chaplain David Larson presented the flag that had flown over the Taylor Veteran’s Memorial for the past year, to Sam Daniels, a Taylor resident who served in the Navy during the Korean War. In an earlier program, the American Legion had lowered the flag in full honors, replacing it with a new one.
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Blackman, the keynote speaker, brought laughter and tears to the audience as he shared the story behind his receipt of the Bronze Star during the Battle of Fallujah in 2005, while encouraging every veteran to not relinquish the oath that they took when they put on the uniform. “Their oath was to protect and defend the constitution of the United States. These veterans may be a little older, as myself; a little rounder, as myself; but in heart every single one of these patriots are war fighters.”
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Blackman continued, “A war fighter stands at the door when the enemy is knocking, will go places that people don’t want to go. A war fighter will go into harm’s way knowing they may lose something; he or she will always put their country and the citizens first. Some sitting here have served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Grenada, Iraqi Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. They may not wear the uniform anymore, but we love our country and our duty to its citizens.”
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After Blackman finished speaking, the names of those who served from World War One to present, both living and dead, were read.
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The final portion of the program was given over to Heart 2 Heart Quilts, who honored six veterans with Quilts of Valor, including Charlie Hall, Keith Hall, Carl Cosper, Matthew Cosper, Floyd Fuentes and Randy Street.
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While Herman Bernal read each veteran’s bio, his father, Bob Bernal, gave out the medal and certificate. Amid smiles and tears, Liz George and Carol McDill wrapped the handmade quilts around the veterans, with Rebecca Bernal giving a loving hug to each.
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