Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, urged attendees at Monday’s Larkin Mortuary Memorial Day service to
SANDY — Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, urged attendees at Monday’s Larkin Mortuary Memorial Day service to “support our armed forces” and remember those who have died in the line of duty.
“It’s really important that we all show up and let people know that we’ re not going forget these folks, ” Hatch said. “They gave their lives for us, and we ought to be willing to give our lives for them.”
While Hatch spent the majority of his speech paying respects to those who have served or are currently serving in the military, he also made remarks regarding political divisiveness and a need for respect toward President Donald Trump.
“He’s our president. And yes, I’m sure there are things that we probably don’t like about him. But there’s an awful lot of things you can like about him, ” he said. “One of them is that he was willing to run as an outsider, and someone who wasn’t given much of a chance, and he was able to run for what he considered to be the principles of this country.
“I know him really well, and I can say, like others, with all his faults, if he has our support, he can do a great job, ” the senator said.
Hatch also reminded attendees it’s a “real privilege” to serve them in the U. S. Senate, even alongside members with whom he disagrees.
“When we disagree, we disagree, he said. “But we also many times come together in the best interest of the United States.”
Army Lt. Col. Forrest Cook, a military science professor at BYU, encouraged attendees at the service to remember the significance of Memorial Day — reminding them that the day is “an opportunity to recognize those who have fallen for our freedom.”
After their remarks, the Utah National Guard performed a flag service, and retired Master Sgt. John Egbert fired a World War II anti-tank gun.
Egbert also encouraged younger generations to “sit down with their grandparents and their great-grandparents” and ask questions about life during World War II.
“If we don’ t continue to honor those who sacrificed everything, we’ d lose history, ” je said. “And without history, where would we be?”
Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement Monday to “salute the women and men who have bravely worn the uniform of this great nation throughout its history, and revere with humility those who have given their lives in the defense of our freedoms.”
“While these heroes may be gone from our physical presence, we cannot ever forget their outstanding valor and sacrifice. Their sacred memory must always remain with us, and our gratitude for them must always endure, ” Herbert said.
