The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all those who participated and helped with Rexburg’s 5th Annual Verterans Day Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony was held on November 11, 2013 at the Upper Snake River Valley Veterans Freedom Memorial at Smith Park. Those who attended enjoyed a wonderful program conducted by Hyrum Erickson, President of the Chamber.

The audience was pleased to view the raising of the colors by VFW Post 3012 and recite the pledge of allegiance led by Bob Jones, Past State Commander, VFW. The national anthem was then performed by Chelsea Stewart. The BYU-Idaho Army ROTC and the Rexburg Police Department proceeded to lead a wreath-laying ceremony where 15 wreaths were presented by service organizations of Rexburg.

Those in attendance were serenaded by the Madison High School Band as they played service hymns for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. BYU-Idaho student and Rexburg Chamber intern Cameron Call then recited the Declaration of Independence. Call was recognized by Governor Butch Otter via Erickson for a sensational job well done – Call also performed a Declaration of Independence recitation during the governor’s banquet of the Legislative Tour earlier in September 2013.

Col. Sean Cannon, a professor at BYU-Idaho, had the opportunity to address the audience as the keynote speaker. Cannon served in the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War and spoke about the responsibilities everyone has toward their country. According to the Rexburg Standard Journal, Cannon said, “There are those who leave to serve overseas, and those who need to stay home and serve their country here. It takes all of us.” Cannon was glad to be chosen as the speaker and believes the Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony is a great way to remember those who have served for our nation.

After the keynote address, the Madison High School Band played a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. The audience then cheered for a rifle salute by VFW Post 3012 and a cannon salute by Charlie Jones, SFC Retired. Erickson then proceeded the program with a moment of silence for all those who have sacrificed and whose lives have been taken for our country and freedom. After a moment of silence, “Taps” was played on the trumpet by a member of VFW Post 3012.

Patriotic music was played by the Madison High School band as the Legacy Flight Museum performed an exciting fly-over tribute. The program ended with Amazing Grace, performed by the Madison Fire Department Pipe Brigade.

The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all those who have served for our country in all aspects of military. We are thankful for our heroes and glad we are able to pay tribute to them with our freedoms today.

If you would like to view a broadcast of the ceremony, click here!