Cedar City to Honor County's Oldest Living Veteran with Medallion 

Cedar City is set to host its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cedar City Municipal Cemetery.

 

This year, the event holds special significance as the community will honor John Richard "Dick" Reed, a 102-year-old World War II veteran and Iron County's oldest living veteran, with a commemorative medallion.

 

Reed served as a cook during the war and played a role in caring for survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

 

Reflecting on his service, Reed emphasized the importance of educating younger generations about the realities of war.

 

"A lot of people don't even know what the Second World War was all about," he remarked.

 

"They really don't know what they're thanking you for."

 

He expressed a desire for more comprehensive teaching of wartime history in schools.

 

The ceremony will feature the placement of 1,416 live balsam wreaths on veterans' graves, a flyover in the missing man formation, musical performances, and remarks from Mayor Garth Green.

 

Notably, this event marks one of Mayor Green's final public appearances before leaving office.

 

Organizers anticipate a significant turnout and encourage attendees to arrive by 1:30 p.m. due to expected crowds and recent construction at the cemetery.

 

Volunteers are invited to participate in the wreath-laying, with a tradition of speaking each veteran's name aloud and offering thanks as the wreath is placed.

 

"Anyone is welcome to go out and lay a wreath," said Councilman R. Scott Phillips, who has been instrumental in organizing the event since 2018.

 

"Our veterans have given so much for all of us, and it was such a moving and tender experience, very solemn, but yet, celebratory in the same way."

 

In addition to the cemetery, wreaths will be placed at Veterans Memorial Park, the Paiute Tribe of Utah's memorial, and the newly established Southern Utah National Veterans Cemetery.

 

This expansion reflects the community's growing commitment to honoring its veterans.

 

"There were about 2,300 communities across the country that participated," Phillips noted.

 

"Now it's nearing 5,500 communities."

 

As the community gathers to honor its heroes, the ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans like Reed and the enduring gratitude of Cedar City's residents.

 

For more information on the event or to volunteer, community members are encouraged to contact the Cedar City Council office.