Veterans are being celebrated in Riverton during two events–one on Nov. 10 and a second on Dec. 13.

On Nov. 10, the annual Veterans Day program was held at the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, featuring entertainment and a tribute to veterans and their families. Mayor Trent Skaggs talked about the holiday in his opening remarks.

“Veterans Day is more than a holiday,” he said. “It’s a solemn reminder that our freedoms come with a cost. It’s time to remember that behind each one of our liberties stands someone who was willing to fight to preserve it. To each veteran here and to those who can’t be with us here tonight, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your selflessness, for your courage, for the deep sacrifices you’ve made for the benefit of every single one of us. Your service is an enduring example for us all, reminding us to carry the values of unity, dedication and service into our own lives and communities.”

He told the story of Pat Tillman, the former NFL star with the Arizona Cardinals who put his career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2002 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tillman was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and on April 22, 2004, he was tragically killed in action. Skaggs likened that example to all who have served in the nation’s defense.

“You’ve put country before self, enduring sacrifice, separation and often great hardship to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said. “It’s your bravery, your commitment and your love of this country that make us all proud to be Americans.”

And he thanked the families of veterans as well. 

“Your sacrifices are often silent, but they are no less significant,” he said. “Your strength, patience and support have been invaluable to those who serve.”

The audience enjoyed music from the Riverton Jazz Band, as well as from SolAria, a singing group featuring Angela LeBaron, Kacee Cambron, Karyn Handy, Kelsey Moffitt, Laura Berg and Rebecca Keel. They sang a medley of songs from the Beatles, as well as “Mr. Sandman,” “The Longest Time,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” with the last two accompanied by the Riverton Jazz Band.

The band then performed a series of patriotic songs, including “America the Beautiful” featuring Cambron as singer, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and an Armed Forces Salute, with veterans from all branches of the service honored. 

Miss Riverton Olivia Dibble sang the National Anthem to open the program, and members of American Legion Post 140 posted and retrieved the colors.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Riverton City Cemetery to honor the 396 veterans who have been laid to rest, with those attending putting a wreath on every single grave.

Riverton’s popular Jazz Band played some rousing patriotic songs and Big Band numbers during the program, which included comments from Mayor Trent Skaggs. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)