Veterans and people looking to remember fallen soldiers took to Park City’s Main Street Monday to commemorate Memorial Day.
A group of about 20 people made their way down Main Street Monday afternoon, stopping by restaurants to share stories about friends and family, who died while serving in the military.
Park City veteran Doug Cherry served 37 years in the Army. He said he walked to remind people why the county commemorates the holiday.
"For most Americans this is really just the start of summer ... it's barbecue season," Cherry said. "You know what, that's great too and I'm glad. Look at starting my summer. But it's also time to take a few minutes and remember how we got here."
The event was planned by the Park City post of the American Legion. Glenn Wright - who’s also a Summit County Councilmember - is the Adjutant for the post. He spent six years with the Air Force - the last three as a captain.
He said by walking along Main Street they were able to give people an idea about what Memorial Day means for veterans.
"For me personally, Memorial Day is not a happy holiday," Wright said. "It's probably the most difficult holiday of the year for me. Because I have friends on the wall. And I have friends who died as a result of other activities in the military."
He said many of the veterans they remember don’t die while actively on duty. He and others walking with the group choose to tell stories about military members who died in training or those who committed suicied after struggling with PTSD and survivors’ guilt.
The Legion normally holds a ceremony in the cemetery. Last year that was cancelled due to the pandemic. This year there were still some COVID-19 concerns that kept them away from the normal event.
"We didn't think it was going to happen," he said. "It takes us a while to organize a cemetery ceremony. But we would have had to start planning the event, at least in early April. And things were not that definite."
Wright said in future years the event will return to its original location, but they might add a walking event through Old Town as well.
