Utah groups participate in Pearl Harbor anniversary parade
Dec 8, 2021, 9:06 AM
HONOLULU — Utah was well represented in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Tuesday, on the 80th anniversary of the attack.
The Utah Pipe Band, USS Utah Banner, Uintah High School Marching Band and American Heritage of South Jordan dance teams were among groups from around the U.S. that participated in the event.
The milelong parade in Waikiki not only honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who survived the attack.
For American Heritage of South Jordan student Olivia Yorgason, it was a performance of a lifetime.
“An amazing experience to be able to perform for veterans, especially, and perform for many people who are very close to this historic day,” Yorgason said.
She was among 80 Utahns who traveled to Oahu with the group. Student Phoebe Le also said participating in the commemorations this week was an opportunity to say thank you to veterans.
“It was the best way for me to show my respect and gratefulness for them,” Le said.
School director Elsha Yorgason said the school’s dance teams were surprised to learn they were selected to participate in the parade. Yorgason had applied without their knowledge and surprised everyone with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
She said this was especially exciting for her students since the school focuses on American history.
“We really teach them the importance of every time they see a veteran, to go up and thank them. And with World War II, these are the last of those veterans,” she said. “Lots of our families that are here with us have military history and so it’s an amazing experience for all of them.”
