November 11th, 2026 Veteran’s Day Ceremony
West Jordan Honors Veterans During Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of West Jordan gathered at Veterans Memorial Park on Wednesday, November 11, to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
“Veterans Day is always a beautiful day. We appreciate you joining us as we honor the men and women who served this great nation,” said Mayor Dirk Burton as he welcomed attendees to the ceremony.
The event was made possible with the generous support of the Utah Disabled American Veterans John W. Holden Chapter 8, the Utah Pipe Band, and the West Jordan City Honor Guard.
The ceremony began at 10:30 AM with an invocation from Chaplain Derek Murphy, followed by the posting of colors by the West Jordan City Honor Guard and a performance of the National Anthem by Annalyce Chandler.
This year’s keynote speaker was retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 and former West Jordan City Council Member Kelvin Green, who served nearly 40 years in the Utah National Guard, from 1979 to 2019. Throughout his distinguished military career, Green served as a counterintelligence specialist and held several leadership positions, including Command Chief Warrant Officer of the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade and Deputy State Intelligence Officer.
During his remarks, Green reflected on the sacrifices made by veterans and the lasting impact of their service.
“If you don’t realize it, you made a great impact on the lives of many Americans,” Green told his fellow veterans.
Green also shared a passage from the third verse of America the Beautiful, honoring those who placed service to their country above themselves:
“O beautiful for heroes proved, in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”
Reflecting on his time at Utah National Guard headquarters, Green recalled a quote from General Douglas MacArthur that he would frequently read above a hallway door, reminding him of the sacrifices and lasting wounds of war.
“Many times, the wounds of war are not visible. We need to ensure that we thank the veterans in our community and our nation, and not just with hollow platitudes,” Green said.
He encouraged residents to look beyond simply thanking veterans for their service and instead take time to genuinely connect with them.
“The way you can honor veterans is to ask veterans if they’re okay. Equally important, listen,” Green emphasized. He also encouraged compassion, awareness, and support for veterans who may be struggling, reminding attendees that help is available through the Veterans Crisis Line by calling or texting 988.
Following Green’s address, the Utah Pipe Band performed a military set, and the Utah Disabled American Veterans John W. Holden Chapter 8 conducted a solemn three-volley salute.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps by CDR David Bettinson, USN (Ret.), a moving rendition of Amazing Grace by the Utah Pipe Band, and the ringing of an honor bell recognizing the seven stages of a veteran’s life.
The City of West Jordan extends its heartfelt gratitude to every veteran, their families, and all those who helped make this year’s ceremony possible. May we continue to honor their courage, recognize their sacrifices, and support those who have served, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
