Jake and Helen Kester have been named this year’s Santaquin Orchard Days grand marshals.

The couple, who have been married for 53 years, have dedicated — and continue to dedicate — much of their time to honoring veterans and spreading patriotism in the community of Santaquin.

The Kesters met in Germany during the Vietnam War. Jake Kester, who grew up in Santaquin, was serving in the Army and Helen Kester, who grew up in New York City, was working as a recreation director for the Army.

Tasked with the responsibility of keeping the troops off the streets and out of bars, Helen Kester and her group would teach them about European countries and plan entertainment for them, including games, dinners and tours. That is how she met her future husband.

When they married, Jake asked Helen if she would like to live in Santaquin.

“She always loved horses. I told her if she came to Utah, she would always have a horse,” he said. “We always did.”

Since that time, the Kesters have had three daughters and two grandchildren. They have also contributed much to the community of Santaquin.

Jake Kester took over his dad’s business, Santaquin Calcite Co., in 1972 and ran it until he retired in 2006.

“When the Santaquin Chamber of Commerce was formed, we became members until we sold the business,” he said. “We contributed yearly to the causes promoted by the chamber.”

Additionally, Jake Kester has been a member of the American Legion since 1972, helping to maintain the veterans’ memorial monument in town and providing veteran funeral rites. “We also perform various other functions to support patriotism,” he said. “After serving in the military for six years, I wanted to continue my service.”

Jake Kester has also served on the Santaquin City Council, headed up a flood control committee in the 1980s, volunteers and is a board member at Santaquin’s Chieftain Museum, where he and his wife have helped to gather photos of veterans for display.

Helen Kester has volunteered for the American Legion’s Auxiliary for many years, helping to raise funds for veterans’ causes and being involved with the Orchard Days parade.

She started the first Girl Scout troop in Santaquin in 1969, served on the city’s first Zoning and Planning Commission and on the first Utah County Fair board. She also came up with the name of the city’s Squash Head Park, named after Chief Squash Head.

Many people have heard Helen Kester sing as she sings the military unit songs for the five branches of the armed forces at every Memorial Day services in Santaquin. She has also helped provide free dinners for veterans each Veterans Day.

“My job in the Army was the best thing I could have done in my life,” Helen Kester said. “Without the soldiers serving for our country, there wouldn’t be a country.”

The Kesters said that they are humbled at being chosen as grand marshals. “We were very surprised,” Jake Kester said.