BOUNTIFUL -- Following on a 30-year tradition, veterans were remembered at the Bountiful City Cemetery as part of Memorial Day observances. On Saturday, members of Bountiful American Legion Post 79 and Auxiliary joined with Boy Scouts and young men from the Bountiful 43rd Ward, as well as community volunteers.

This large group of volunteers set out 1,386 crosses "in impeccably straight rows to honor each and every veteran buried there," said Ronald Mortensen, Post commander.

Ace Hardware, Office Max and Costco also provided generous assistance.

"Each cross bears the name of a veteran and they are arranged in alphabetical order so family members can quickly find the crosses of loved ones," Mortensen said.

"Every attempt is made to ensure no veteran is overlooked," he said. "Throughout the year, volunteers review obituaries and whenever another veteran is interred, a new cross is constructed with his or her name on it.

"When the project first began, there were fewer than 200 crosses," Mortensen said. "Over the years the number has grown rapidly as more and more World War II veterans pass on. This year alone, 80 new crosses were added."

He noted that the veterans buried in the Bountiful cemetery "have served their community and nation since Bountiful was founded. They have served in peace time and have fought in virtually all of America's conflicts.

"Many made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country and their comrades," Mortensen said. "Even more returned home after serving honorably. Once home, they returned quietly to civilian life where they raised families and helped build their communities and the nation."

"In our busy lives, we often ignore the meritorious service and sacrifices made by the men and women whose names are found on these crosses," he said.

"The veterans seldom if ever talked of their service, their heroism, or their sacrifices and they never expected congratulations or special treatment because, in their minds, they were simply doing their duty."

But they did more than the average American citizen, Mortensen said. "They went the extra mile and literally put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens and their country.

"These veterans, along with millions of their comrades, stepped forward to defend America and helped make it the beacon of liberty for the entire world," he said.

The crosses will remain in place until Monday, June 4.

Qualified veterans or an immediate family member of an American Legion member or the immediate family member of a deceased veteran are invited to join the Bountiful American Legion Post 79 or Post 79 Auxiliary.

"Our post needs your help in keeping this and other traditions alive and in providing support for those who continue to serve our nation," Mortensen said.

For more information call Mortensen at 294-5286.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com