"The legacy of heroes [is] the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example." These words of British Statesman, Benjamin Disraeli, reflect the patriotic and civic quest of Springville High School's Social Sciences Department in its SHS Fallen Heroes Project. Led by department chair Glenn Bird and suggested by psychology and U.S. history teacher, Priscilla Leek, the project was initiated by 2008 SHS Social Sciences Sterling Scholar Daniel Simmons.

Having previously sent out invitations to several local artists to submit proposals for the creation of this historic memorial, SHS Principal Rick Robins and the project leaders selected the submitted design of prominent Utah artist, Frank Nackos, to honor and memorialize our SHS Fallen Heroes.¬ 

Mighty Red Devil efforts to now construct and erect this memorial are officially under way. The student body of SHS is seeking the collaborative assistance and financial support of the local community to make this tribute possible.

In the artist's own words, "The basic design of the structure is composed of two large polished granite shafts broken at the top to symbolize the youth whose lives were violently cut short.¬ The profiles of these two shafts reflect the surrounding mountains that define our native landscape.¬ The two shafts support a tubular bronze bell between them, representing honor paid to these heroes when it is rung, bringing to mind the familiar lyrics of the song America, 'From every mountainside let freedom ring.'¬ These famous words, penned by Samuel Francis Smith, will encircle two bronze rings, attached to either side of one of the shafts, to signify the eternal nature of men."¬ 

The names of our SHS Fallen Heroes will be permanently engraved upon the stone and the memorial will be placed in the southwest corner of the student courtyard at SHS, allowing all who enter the front doors to view and pay their respects to our valiant alumni.

It is the project leaders' desire that this memorial be a tribute from the SHS community. As such, they are requesting monetary donations from all interested Mighty Red Devil alumni and community members in order to pay the full amount (estimated around $35,000) for its construction.

They believe that paying tribute to the heroic sacrifices made on our behalf by our own local servicemen and servicewomen is truly one of the most honorable civic duties we can be asked to fulfill. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be receipted at the SHS Finance Office during normal operation hours.¬ ¬ ¬ 

In a further effort to allow the community and the families of the fallen alumni to be a part of this memorial effort, SHS will be selling engraved bricks for $100 to be placed along the base of the monument and to serve as a permanent marker of recognition and support for our local heroes.¬ All proceeds will go towards the construction of the memorial.¬ 

In addition, donors who contribute at or above the level of $500 will be recognized with their name engraved on a bronze plaque commemorating the creation of the memorial.

Together, they hope to pay a fitting and enduring artistic tribute to those who in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "gave the last full measure of devotion" for their country, and for all of us.

Project leaders are currently in the process of collecting the names of our SHS Fallen Heroes and invite community members and veterans' families to submit the names of SHS alumni who died through their service in the Armed Forces during any U.S. military engagement. Submissions will be verified by the members of the SHS chapter of the National Honor Society.

Please submit these names along with their rank, service and the war or engagement in which they served to Glenn Bird through e-mail ( HYPERLINK "mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it " "_blank" This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or through the postal service: Glenn Bird, Springville High School, 1205 E. 900 South, Springville, UT 84663

Any questions or requests for further information regarding the SHS Fallen Heroes project may be directed to Bird or SHS Principal Robins, by phone at 489-2870 or by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it