Spring City heritage of military

service worthy of recognition

with veteran memorial

 

By Courtney Syme

Feb. 22, 2018

 

A committee of Spring City residents (Spring City Veterans Memorial Association) is working to ensure veterans of Spring City are not forgotten or ignored. With the support of city government, VFW Post 9276, The Friends of Historical Spring City and others, a veterans memorial is being pursued.

The memorial and a granite monument will be “In honor of the brave men and courageous women of Spring City who served in the Armed Forces of the Territory of Utah and The United States of America.”

This effort is modest when compared to many veteran memorials. That is part of the proposed design—an affordable, modular concept not intended to be a final product but a starting point.

We plan to honor veterans past and present and plan for inclusion of future veterans. The memorial will represent more than 175 years of military service by residents of Spring City.

Spring City is recognized for its rich pioneer history and heritage, primarily through the preservation and restoration of pioneer era buildings and architecture. Great effort has taken place over the last 50 years by individuals and the community to ensure that heritage is not forgotten.

One aspect of Spring City’s heritage that began even before settlement and continues today is the heritage of brave men and women who served in the defense of country, state and community through military service. Nearly 500 such individuals have been identified. This heritage of past, present and future has, unfortunately, been mostly ignored.

The committee recognizes this effort is no small undertaking. No one entity could accomplish it alone. This will require the cooperation and support of many people and organizations.

What we did not expect was that this idea would create some controversy.

Perhaps that is why no one has attempted this in the past.

The cost is significant, but millions have been spent on historical preservation and recognition. The cost of the memorial is small in comparison.

The committee made a commitment to be open and forthcoming about its activities and motivations. There has been extensive review of documents and publications about the history of Spring City veterans.

The work of the local and county Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) has been invaluable. Our list of veterans as posted on Facebook is a combination of published lists mostly from DUP sources.

One committee goal is to make sure the information engraved on the monument is as accurate as possible. We are gratified by information identifying veterans not in publications. Most of those are veterans of recent conflicts. We will issue updates on the progress of the project in a timely fashion.

Many people recognize honoring veterans as a worthwhile idea. We appreciate their support and ask patriotic people everywhere to support the recognition of our veterans.

Our freedom and liberty have been and are dependent upon the service of good and honest people. We can and should honor them.

“This liberty will look easy by and by when nobody dies to get it” (from George Washington in the play “Valley Forge” by Maxwell Anderson).

The most challenging part of this project is funding. The committee is committed to providing an appropriate and quality memorial that will not only honor veterans but also add beauty, value and pride for our community and Sanpete County.

Grant applications are in process. However, most require matching funds.

Donations for this important work are being accepted.

At least $20,000 needs to be raised to provide the matching funds for grants and to begin construction.

The committee’s goal is to dedicate the memorial no later than Veterans Day 2018.

We ask for your help!

Visit our Facebook page for more contact and donation information. Donations will be accepted at any branch of Utah Heritage Credit Union or may be sent to PO Box 126, Spring City UT 84661.

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”