Memories and recollections of the day are divided, with some looking for solemn remembrance and others disregarding the event as a non-incident.

Only four of the six members of Utah’s congressional delegation commented on the anniversary — Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, First District Rep. Blake Moore and Third District Rep. John Curtis. Romney was one of seven Republican senators who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for his part in the riot.

Romney and Moore shared their public comments via Twitter, Curtis conducted an interview with KSL News Radio and Lee conducted an interview with the Deseret News.

Romney: “Today, we call to mind the memory of those who were tragically lost on the 6th and in the following days, and we reflect with gratitude on the heroic efforts of those who protected the U.S. Capitol and all of us inside the building. It is because of their courage that Congress ultimately fulfilled its responsibility to count the votes and that the transfer of power continued unimpeded.

Lee photo courtesy; Romney photo by BEN DORGER, Special to the Daily Herald

“We ignore the lessons of January 6 at our own peril. Democracy is fragile; it cannot survive without leaders of integrity and character who care more about the strength of our Republic than about winning the next election. I said last year that the best way we can show respect for voters who are upset is by telling them the truth. The responsibility that elected officials have in this regard is fundamental to reversing malaise gripping our current politics and ensuring that our democracy endures.”

Lee: “At end of the day, Congress was able to fulfill its role in opening and counting the electoral votes. The violence that happened that day was wrong, it’s very, very wrong. It’s a shame that those wrong acts are being used by some to justify other wrong acts in the form of political excesses.”

Moore: “In addition to what I have previously communicated to press regarding January 6, 2021, I have three final thoughts as we move forward:

“1) Our law enforcement and first responders continue to deserve our utmost respect; the @CapitolPolice were heroes that day. #utpol

“2) Political violence of any kind is 100% unacceptable, and we need to drastically tone down rhetoric that harms our relationships and communities. #utpol

“3) Congress must clarify our constitutional role with respect to counting electoral votes. Election authority must remain at the local level, and Congress must abide by that principle to ensure election integrity is never leveraged by political gain. #utpol”

Curtis, excerpted: “It’s really hard, even a year later, to look back and really understand the feelings of the day and the emotions of the day. For me, it was very surreal; it seemed like it couldn’t be happening, like we were all in a dream and that it certainly couldn’t be what was unfolding on TV and almost some denial.

“Over the year, you know, as I’ve tried to process that, I’ve probably gone through the typical stages of grieving, right? You know with denial, anger, all those things … and now I find myself wanting and desiring for several things. One is, as we’ve talked about, to find out what happened and two is to heal.”

No public comments were made Thursday, or in the prior days, regarding the events of Jan. 6, 2021, by Reps. Burgess Owens and Chris Stewart. Emails and calls to each of their offices were not returned. Following are statements made by both on the day of the insurrection, posted on Twitter:

Stewart: “Today should have been the time for thoughtful & respectful debate, instead, it was overcome by a disgusting demonstration of lawlessness. As a result, effective debate has been eclipsed by fear for the future of our country.

“We must take a moment to reflect & unite as a nation.”

Owens: “My team and I are safe and beyond grateful for the service of Capitol Police. I am deeply saddened by what is happening right now. Americans are better than this. Senseless violence is NEVER okay. We have to do better.

“America can do better than today. America must do better than today. We are a resilient nation who, time and time again, comes together after opposition to uphold the pillars of our republic. I have faith in our nation and I have faith in our democracy.”