SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders, veterans, and residents gathered Monday morning at the Utah Capitol to honor service members who lost their lives in military service during a Memorial Day ceremony marked by music, remembrance, and military tradition.
Ceremony details and attendees
American flags lined the south entrance of the Capitol as an estimated 100 to 200 people attended the event outside on the grounds. The 23rd Army Band provided music as part of the ceremony, which also included a wreath laying and remarks from state officials and veterans leaders.
The 23rd Army Band helped memorialize fallen service members at the Utah Capitol on Monday. (KSL)
Military traditions and recognition
A field artillery team performed a 21-gun salute in honor of fallen service members, one of the most recognizable traditions of military remembrance. Officials also recognized the estimated 1,200 Utah service members currently deployed overseas.
Lt. Gov. Henderson's tribute
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Today we join millions of Americans to commemorate the sacrifice of all the patriots who gave their lives in service of our great nation,” Henderson said. “More than 3,000 Utahns joined that hallowed rank of heroes.”
A veteran attends a Memorial Day service at the Utah Capitol. (KSL)
Call for unity and service
Later in the ceremony, Henderson called on Utahns to continue honoring those sacrifices through ongoing service and unity.
“Let us continue to build a state and more perfect union worthy of the sacrifice of those who died to preserve it,” she said.
Ongoing statewide observances
Memorial Day observances are expected to continue across Utah throughout the day as communities gather to remember fallen service members and reflect on their service and sacrifice.
The Capitol ceremony is part of a nationwide day of remembrance honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service to the country.
Related: Families gather at Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery to remember loved ones on Memorial Day
