Cemetery board finalizes Memorial Day logistics, updates living veterans list and schedules May 14 site meeting

The Ephraim City Cemetery Board reviewed its living-veterans list and worked through logistics for the upcoming Memorial Day program, assigning members to contact volunteers for flag placements, taps and speakers.

Board members said the list is compiled by word of mouth and will be updated; one member reported the cemetery had 364 veterans buried as of 2024 and about 115 living veterans currently being tracked. Members agreed to check residence status, add missing names, and move deceased names from the “living” to the deceased list as needed.

The board discussed logistical details including a work order for chairs and the podium, borrowing equipment from the Lions shed, confirming flagpole brackets that the Sexton has been working on, and following up with city staff about plumbing and facilities at event buildings. Assignments were made for contacting veterans by service branch (Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard) and for securing taps and speakers.

To inspect potential statue placement and to check Pioneer Cemetery before Memorial Day, the board set a work meeting at Park Cemetery for Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Members also debated volunteer tools and guidance for Pioneer Cemetery cleanups—several members advised against using weed-eaters on specific plots to avoid leaving dead grass layers—and they discussed planting more crested wheatgrama along perimeter areas where past sterilant use inhibited growth.

The board closed the meeting after confirming assignments and schedule; members thanked the presenter and adjourned.