KAYSVILLE — The sky was dark when motorcyclists from the Patriot Guard pulled up to the USU Botanical Gardens and walked silently, bearing flags, to start the memorial ceremony.
It was dark when the audience stood in respect at the presentation of the colors and for Davis High School band’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. But light soon began to bring color to the ceremony held in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, at one point coloring the sky above the open-air event in shades of purple.
By the end of the hour-long program, a partial rainbow could be seen in the distance, just beyond the memorial that organizers hope will soon be complete.
Three Utahns and more than 3,000 others lost their lives in the terrorist attack that led to even more lives being lost in war. To honor them, Margaret Brough and members of Youth of Promise, put together a program that included patriotic music, speeches, a 21-gun salute and the release of doves of peace.
“God bless us as we gather here on this peaceful morning,” said Major Gen. Brian L. Tarbet. “May it always be so.”
Tarbet was one speaker in a program that included a reading by Spence Kinard and talks by Lt. Gov. Greg Bell and Adam Gardner, representing Rep. Rob Bishop.
“It’s humbling to try and give voice to the feelings we all have on this day,” said Bell. “These were events where the world seemed to come unhinged.
“We wonder Р have we made the right responses?” he said. “We wonder, think, and hope and pray. This is not an organized foe. Vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Tarbet, of Kaysville, thanked those who had given “time and treasure” toward the completion of the memorial. “We can’t forget,” he said.
Funds are still being collected for the memorial, which is expected to be complete soon. Those interested in making donations can send them to Utah Unites in Hope, at 715 E. 200 North, Kaysville, 84037. Donations can also be made through any Wells Fargo Bank branch, in the name of “Utah Unites in Hope.”
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