Herriman Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members

Herriman held a Memorial Day ceremony to honor U.S. service members who died in wartime. Mayor Palmer opened the program and turned the proceedings over to American Legion Post 140 of Riverton, which led readings, prayers, and a names list recognizing veterans interred at the local cemetery.

The emcee warned attendees not to retrieve spent brass from the rifle salute and read two commemorative quotes before the day’s formal observances began. A patriotic poem, "Why are you marching, son?", was recited early in the program and a subsequent reading titled "The Price of Freedom" was credited to bugler Ron Tramner and introduced by legionnaire Kent Blad.

Legionnaire Rodney Foreman offered a prayer that honored those who made the "supreme sacrifice" and asked for guidance for national leaders and protection for those serving now. The Pledge of Allegiance was led as announced by Dennis Ayre, and Andrea Sharp performed the national anthem.

Herriman City Council member Teddy Hodges delivered a personal remembrance of family service. Hodges said his grandfather "answered the call of service during the second World War" and recalled that his uncle, "Teddy Merlin Hodges Junior, marine private first class, . . . was killed in action in June 1969," and that a recent family visit to Vietnam underscored the lasting effects of service and loss. "I stand with you here today on Memorial Day at this sacred ground to honor the brave souls who answered the call of duty," Hodges said.

Following the remarks, Legionnaire Martin Clemons read a long roll call of names of veterans interred in the cemetery. The American Legion concluded the program with a rifle salute, the playing of taps and a final cannon salute. The program emcee closed by thanking the audience and instructing attendees on safety around the ceremonial equipment, saying, "This concludes our program today."