By Aimee L. Cook

For the past five years, Bluffdale City and its residents have been celebrating Old West Days. This weeklong event in August is a time the city hosts several fun events for individuals and families. From rodeos to a vintage car show and concerts, there is surely something for everyone. This year, the city will be dedicating a memorial constructed to honor the Armed Forces Veterans in the community. 

“About two and half  years ago the mayor suggested the city council look at building a veterans memorial in the city. I volunteered to head up the effort to construct it, “ Alan Jackson said. “It was determined to use Eagle Scout projects to do the construction. It took much longer to construct it this way, but in the end we had seven Eagle projects performed on the memorial. Those Scouts will be honored with their names engraved on the wall. I believe it was worth the wait.”

The memorial design was done as an Eagle Scout project by Levi Wolfley. Veteran’s names were gathered by Scott Simonsen. Sterling Hansen did cement work and Joshua Dietrich worked on the cement wall. Parker Hansen did the flagpoles, Preston Budge did excavation and Chase Budge is working on the centerpiece. Many others donated time and materials to the memorial, including some local businesses. All involved will be recognized on the wall.  

“I have a tremendous passion for our veterans and believe we could not honor them enough,” Jackson said. “Since we began this project my daughter has married a member of the Army and my son joined the Marines. The memorial honors those who have dedicated a time of their life to the protection of those of us that don’t serve. They deserve our utmost respect and honor.”

Jackson and the organizers did their best to find every veteran that lived in Bluffdale, but in case they missed one they ask that you please email them at [email protected] to add the name to the memorial. They do not want anyone to be missed.