Remembering the fallen: Late soldiers honored at Provo’s annual Memorial Day program
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- Provo police officers perform the 21-gun salute at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Keynote speaker Niles Herrod speaks at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Veterans stand as their branch of the military is performed during the Armed Forces Medley at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Provo police officers perform the 21-gun salute at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins speaks at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Provo police officers perform the 21-gun salute at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Freedom Festival board member Paul Warner speaks at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
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- Veterans stand as their branch of the military is performed during the Armed Forces Medley at the Provo City Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Provo City Cemetery.
Hundreds gathered Monday to commemorate fallen American soldiers at Provo’s annual Memorial Day program at Provo City Cemetery.
Veterans of nearly every military branch were at the presentation, which was hosted by the city, the Freedom Festival and the Provo City Veterans Council. Provo police officers performed the 21-gun salute to honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation’s freedoms.
The longstanding military tradition was preceded by remarks from keynote speaker Niles Herrod, a Provo resident and retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. He shared his thoughts on the day’s significance as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
“We gather not merely for a long weekend, but for something far greater,” Herrod said. “We gather in remembrance, we gather in gratitude, we gather as Americans to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in their service to the United States of America.”
Herrod listed how many lives were lost in each American war, from 24,000 in the Revolutionary War to 13 soldiers who died in Operation Epic Fury — the ongoing conflict in Iran — and the ones in between.
He said he saw the horrors of war firsthand during the Vietnam War while serving as an oral and facial surgeon assigned to the Marine combat hospital.
“My eyes have seen the devastation, extremities blown up, faces disfigured, body parts missing, some never to eat another steak, nor to kiss with a simple lip,” Herrod said.
To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country, Herrod called on people to proudly fly the stars and stripes, participate in the election process and support veteran groups. He challenged the nation to find unity and become a “more perfect union.”
“We can turn down our rhetoric, we can agree to disagree, but we should never forget that we are Americans, blessed with certain unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.
Mayor Marsha Judkins also addressed the attendees.
“I am so grateful for these heroes among us, for those who have selflessly served and given their all, so that we could be here today,” she said.
Judkins also presented a certificate of appreciation to the Provo City Cemetery, and sexton Matthew Brimhall, for the care taken to the facility.
