LOCAL NEWS

Veterans Day devotional held in North Ogden to celebrate Veterans Week

Nov 7, 2021, 10:52 PM | Updated: Nov 8, 2021, 8:22 am

NORTH OGDEN, Utah — Veterans Day is this coming Thursday.

It’s one of the more popular holidays in Utah because of our military connections, but people in North Ogden didn’t want to wait another four days to celebrate.

Even as the wind blew and blankets were taken out of their summer resting places Sunday, you could still feel the warmth in North Ogden.

Hundreds of people came to Barker Park to listen to a late afternoon devotional focused on veterans.

“I thank you for those who have served, who are currently serving, and that will serve,” said one of the speakers on stage.

Veterans Day is still a few days away, but people here will tell you it should be every day.

“It’s easy to take it for granted, but it reminds us how precious our liberties are,” said Dave Wald.

It’s why Dave and Mona Wald bundled up with their children and brought a blanket to sit on the amphitheater grass.

They wanted to listen to the ceremony.

Sunday night’s event helped celebrate the city’s weeklong list of events for Veterans Week.

Their motto is “Now, more than ever.”

Seeing people united instead of divided gave Navy veteran Scott Sparks hope.

“I just love that enough people showed up and still care,” he said. “Especially seeing all the kids and the youth. It was nice to see them watching it all and learning.”

For everything happening at the ceremony in front of her, though, Mona Wald couldn’t help but notice the big flag flying in the canyon behind her.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it,” she said while looking at the flag. “We’ve lived it firsthand — the sacrifice our community has had to suffer. It’s just not been the same since Mayor Taylor passed away.”

The flag, called “The Major,” is named after Major Brent Taylor.

He is the former mayor of North Ogden who was killed in Afghanistan.

Taylor’s wife, Jennie, helped organize the North Ogden event as part of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation.

“How grateful we are to be here tonight,” she said to the crowd.

Sunday night was all about thanking those who have served for all they’ve done.

And doing it on a day besides Veterans Day.

“We always tell them, thank you, it was our pleasure, which it was,” said Sparks. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

(Carissa Hutchinson/KSL TV) (Carissa Hutchinson/KSL TV) (Carissa Hutchinson/KSL TV)

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

2 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

3 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

4 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

5 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

6 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Veterans Day devotional held in North Ogden to celebrate Veterans Week