HURRICANE — Midweek festivities at the Washington County Fair included a tribute show entitled “Modern Warriors” attended by more than two dozen local military veterans and nearly 200 family, friends and civic leaders.

Washington Area Chamber of Commerce President Ed Tracey said the event planned by Washington County Fair Director Susi Lafaele was the fair’s sixth annual tribute to those who served in the military.

Each veteran in attendance on Tuesday received a signed statement from Washington County commissioners proclaiming their support for events such as these honoring those who served in the military.

Veterans Coalition of Southern Utah Chairman David Cordero noted that those currently serving in the United States military have done so voluntarily since 1973.

“In the last five decades, more than 11 million Americans have served in the all-volunteer force,” he said. “Today, more than 1.5 million men and women serve in uniform.”

In return, Cordero said those serving in the military receive on-the-job training, tuition for school and paychecks to support their families while also being on call as the nation’s protectors.

“It gave people like my father-in-law a path to achieve middle-class status,” he said.

Currently working for Washington County Emergency Management, keynote speaker Coy Bryant retired from the military after more than 27 years training others with Utah’s 222nd Field Artillery Unit.

After being told by the Air Force his dreams of becoming a fighter pilot were dead, Bryant enlisted with the Utah National Guard to help pay off college loans and keep up with his car payments after graduating.

“That option is still available for anyone who wants it today,” he said.

In his opinion, one thing that has changed since the nation experienced the attack historically known as 9/11 is the current perception of the military, Bryant said.

“For some reason, I don’t know why, but being called a patriot is derogatory in the media,” he said. “We’ve gotta get that (sense of patriotism) back. Events like this help.”

Washington County commissioners and Washington City civic leaders recently signed proclamations to support community events that bring attention to the sacrifices those serving in the military have made.

Washington County Commissioner Victor Iverson thanked all veterans and the community in attendance and said the military celebrations being planned for 2026 are going to be larger than normal.

“In just two short years from now, America will celebrate 250 years from the signing of our Declaration of Independence,” he said. “And we look forward — in Washington County — to having an incredible celebration.”

New to this year’s “Modern Warriors” celebration was a military Wall of Honor in the Grafton building of the fairgrounds where families of veterans can submit a photo for their relatives to be remembered.

The end of the evening was solemn, as it was announced that local World War II veteran Cliff Spendlove died just weeks after celebrating his 107th birthday.

Services will be provided at McArthur Funeral Home, 160 W. 700 South, in St. George. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 19, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 20, from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Spendlove’s funeral will be held following the Saturday viewing, followed by interment at the Hurricane Cemetery.

In addition to sponsoring the event, the Color Country Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution also provided each honoree with an American heart-shaped flag pin and a “Thank You for Your Service” challenge coin.

All who attended the event received a small patriotic flag passed out by group members.

“We have supported this event every year since it first started, but this year we went a step further,” Honorary Regent Valerie E. King said.

Attendees at the Washington County Fair event heard songs throughout the evening with Tracey belting out a patriotic tune, bagpipes played by Joseph Gudmundson, and a performance of “America the Beautiful” by local quartet Tonal Eclipse.

The 2024 Washington County Fair is the county’s 163rd annual celebration with dozens of events, displays, carnival rides, sporting events, food trucks and music located on the fairgrounds in Hurricane from April 12-20.

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