The twilight was casting a warm glow through the trees at Elk Ridge Park on Sunday evening. A slight breeze caused the 101 flags that were lining the sidewalk to make the familiar flapping sound as community members gathered for the first and likely annual Heroes Tribute Patriotic Devotional, the capstone of a weekend tribute to members of the armed forces who gave their life in defense of their country. At the heart of this celebration and remembrance was the memory of Lance Corporal Michael J.
Allred, a young man who graduated Sky View High School and dreamed of one day coming home to Cache Valley to become a teacher. On Sept. 6, 2004, Lance Cpl.
Allred was killed serving his country in Iraq. He was only 23 years old, becoming the first of Cache Valley’s casualties during the War on Terror. Today, as the 20th anniversary of Allred’s death approaches, the Lance Corporal Michael J.
Allred Foundation is thriving. Allred’s parents, Brett and Zell Allred started the foundation as a way to channel their grief into something that would make a difference. In memory of Allred’s dream, the foundation raises money for $1,000 scholarships to be given to students who are applying to USU with big ambitions and dreams of their own.
So far, 91 students have been able to be a part of Allred’s legacy and receive the scholarship that bears his name. Every year, the foundation puts on a charity motorcycle ride called the “Michael J. Allred Ride for the Fallen.
” The proceeds from this event go to scholarships and various veteran causes. Staff Sergeant Retired Les Patterson of the Utah National Guard was the master of ceremonies for the devotional, which began with “Reveille,” the traditional wake-up call for soldiers. Patterson invited the attendees to “wake up” as the music played.
“Wake up your spirits. Wake up your soul. Wake up your mind,” Patterson said.
“And prepare to experience an incredible tribute to our heroes.” After the presentation of Reville, military officers conducted a flag ceremony and the National Anthem was sung by Nathan Christean. Patterson gave some opening remarks, and as the gentle sounds of a piano playing “America the Beautiful” came over the loudspeaker, he talked about what he believes is the definition of a hero.
“A real hero is a normal, ordinary person who rises to the greatness of the task before him or her,” said Patterson. He paid tribute to military heroes, in particular the 101 fallen soldiers from Utah who have perished in the line of duty since the War on Terror began. Each of the 101 flags that lined the “honor walk” as Patterson called it, represented one of those men or women.
After Patterson’s remarks, the Green Canyon Crescendo Choir took the stage singing “American Anthem,” by Norah Jones. The choir was accompanied and directed by Karen Teuscher. A rousing celebration followed after the choir as the different branches of the military were honored by each of the catchy anthems being played over the loudspeaker.
Patterson called out the different branches as their songs began, and all who had served in or had a loved one who served in that branch was invited to stand. Several stood while the audience clapped along to the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, United States Air Force, United Marine Corps and Space Force anthems. There were many, including some of the Crescendo choir, who stood for more than one song.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Jennie Taylor, Gold Star Widow of Utah Army National Guard Major Brent Taylor. Major Taylor was killed in Afghanistan on November 3rd, 2018. He was the Mayor of North Ogden at the time of his deployment and became the first sitting politician to be killed in the line of military duty since the Civil War.
Jennie Taylor’s talk was entitled “Our Pledge to Each Other.” Taylor spoke with solemnity about the ultimate price her husband and hundreds of thousands of others have paid since the beginning of the United States of America A history teacher by trade, Taylor also spoke with vibrant enthusiasm about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, particularly drawing this line from the end of the document, “We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” “Ladies and gentleman, that’s the secret to becoming a more perfect union,” said Taylor.
“It was true in 1776, 1787, and is true in 2024. If we as a people want to be a more perfect union, and honor the fallen, and live in remembrance of what the flag stands for, we are going to have to keep our pledge to each other.” Patterson reiterated the theme of watching out for each other as he then spoke of the military creed to “never leave a wounded comrade.
” He spoke specifically of the the veterans in the community and with great emotion in his voice talked about the staggering suicide statistics among U.S. Veterans.
“That’s why we stand. That’s why we hold events like this. It’s to honor and remember the fallen, and by doing so, we become a light for the living.
” A special memorial was then solemnly and quietly conducted as Patterson recognized the Gold Star families in attendance of the eight Cache Valley soldiers who have died since the War on Terror began. The audience was invited by Patterson to give a soft clap to signify a piece of their heart as each name was read. Patterson could barely speak from emotion as he read the name of a fallen friend.
The names of each of Utah’s fallen soldiers was then read and followed by the sound of a bell after each one. The sky was dimmer and a quiet reverence hung in the air as a duet of Taps was played and the flags were solemnly carried away. As the audience dispersed with hugs and a few wiping away tears, many strolled quietly through the walk of honor, perhaps whispering a quiet “thank you” as they read each name.
.
