In commemoration of Armed Forces Day, May 25, 2020, Governor Gary R. Herbert issued a declaration humbly honoring the men and women who made died while in defense of the United States of America and acknowledged the sacrifice made by families left behind.

“It is the responsibility of all Utahns to remember these courageous warriors throughout the year and strive to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain and to comfort the families they have left behind,” the declaration reads.

In lieu of the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies and events, the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (UDVMA) also released a virtual Memorial Day commemorationvideo The video features a wreath-laying ceremony with remarks from Gov. Herbert, Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Brigadier General Michael Turley, the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FrlYsC8Ut_I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“On Memorial Day, Americans unite to pay tribute and solemnly honor the thousands of men and women who have marched, flew and sailed in defense of the nation, never to return home,” said Gov. Herbert. “Among these brave warriors, there are nearly 3,000 Utahns who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Memorial Day commemoration video was filmed in Salt Lake City’s Memory Grove Park, which was designated as a memorial park to honor American soldiers. The park includes city and privately funded memorials from World War I onward.

“Memory Grove, where we stand, was set aside as a city park in 1902 but it wasn’t until the 1920s that it was transformed into the beautiful space we have today,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “You cannot come to this special place without feeling in a very real way, the bravery, the sacrifice, and the loss that it represents.”

Memorial Day is a designated federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May to honor and mourn military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Since World War I, approximately 3,000 Utahns have given their lives in defense of the United States. Since 2001, 56 Utahns have died while serving in the Armed Forces, including 10 members of the Utah National Guard.

Following President Donald Trump’s Memorial Day proclamation, Gov. Herbert ordered the flags of the United States of America and the great State of Utah to be flown at half-staff at all state office buildings from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the customary forenoon period.

Utahns are encouraged to come together for the National Moment of Remembrance. The shared moment of silence will be held at 3 p.m. local time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A video of the customary performance of Taps will be played on the UDVMA Facebook page at 3 p.m.

While visiting cemeteries and memorials during Memorial Day, Utahns are asked to adhere to their local health and safety guidelines and maintain physical distancing.

Families may continue the tradition of placing flowers and small American flags at their Veteran’s gravesite at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale. Due to COVID-19, the chapel and administration building, including restrooms, are closed to the public until further notice.

Download the .pdf version of the declaration.