Photo gallery: Memorial Day images from around Southern Utah capture emotion of the day

Young people stand near flags flying in Cedar City, Utah, for Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, 2023 | Photo by Moe Power, Cedar City News

ST. GEORGE — Southern Utahns marked Memorial Day in different ways Monday, with observances ranging from outdoor activities to gravesite ceremonies to private remembrances.

Many St. George News and Cedar City News readers responded to a Facebook “roll call” for photos, several of which were accompanied by written messages, some of which follow:

Deidre Bishop: “Remembering my great uncle Philip M. Walsh who was killed in action 19 March 1945 on the USS Franklin. He was 90 miles off the coast of Japan … My grandfather was on the USS Santa Fe that came alongside the Franklin to try to save men. Philip was 24 and never had a wife or children. Remember his sacrifice for our country.”

Bruce Bugland: “This is not a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance. A day for all to remember and honor those who died serving our country. Five generations of my family have served from WWI through Afghanistan. I served with the Army in Vietnam. While my family members made it home, so many others were not as fortunate. I honor and remember them today and I honor my Brothers who never made it home every day.”

Tamara Reynolds: “Celebrating with our Vets who fought for our Country!!”

Marti Rose placed fresh roses from her garden on the graves of her father and older brother for Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, 2023 | Photo by Marti Rose, St. George News

Marti Rose: “Placing fresh roses from my garden on the graves of my father and my older brother. Both served in the Navy — Dad in WWII and Whitney during the Vietnam era. I also placed flowers on my brother-in-law’s grave. He died while serving in the Army during peacetime. They each knew that freedom is not free. I’m grateful they honored the call of their country.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered flags to be lowered to the half-staff position at 12:01 a.m. Monday and remain at half-staff until noon, when flags were to be raised back to the full-staff position.

The photo gallery below features reader- and staff-submitted images, and there were many to choose from.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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