FRUIT HEIGHTS—In an effort to remember those veterans who sacrificed for the country’s freedom, Fruit Heights City plans to erect a permanent memorial at City Hall for those men and women who served. 

“It’s been an ongoing effort in the city,” said committee member and 30-year Fruit Heights resident, Jim Frazier, Lt Col, Ret. “It’s finally moving forward.”

Several years ago a committee attempted to do the same thing but because of cost, etc. it fell apart and didn’t go anywhere, he said. “When (city council member) Mark Cottrell was campaigning for city council I knew him and said ‘let’s try getting an initiative going again.’”

Frazier said the current committee, made up of 10 residents, recently gave a presentation about the project to the council. “The city council and the mayor were all for it.”

The Fruit Heights Veterans Memorial is made of native Utah sandstone and will be placed between the flag poles at City Hall, he said. There are three stones, a central stone commemorating the various branches of the military with “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave” engraved on it. “It will be flanked on both sides with the veterans' names,” he said. “The initial plan is to get as many Fruit Heights veterans as we can right now and add them as time goes on. The goal is to have it installed by the Founder’s Day celebration in August.”

In order to complete the project, Frazier said they need the help of the community for donations. “We’ve picked the stone but need the money to have the stone company start it.”

The stones, plus initial engraving of names, will cost approximately $10,000, committee member Robert Christiansen said in a release.“The committee has raised about half of these costs and is turning to the community and others who would like to see this memorial to raise additional funds.” 

Frazier said the memorial is to honor those who have been or are now residents of Fruit Heights and have served in the armed forces of the United States. “We’re collecting applications to have a name placed on the memorial.”

The application should include the name of the veteran, branch of service, permission to place the name on the memorial and certification that the individual has served and been honorably discharged, or is now serving in the armed forces. 

A veteran himself, Frazier sees the importance of the monument. He joined the Air Force in 1971 during the Vietnam conflict and received his pilot's wings in 1973 and was assigned to Tactical and Military Air Commands flying the C-130. He flew worldwide airlift missions in Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Africa and Alaska for various organizations such as NATO, United Nations and Joint Services. Frazier was awarded several medals including a National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star.

Despite the long list of military service, Frazier remains humble. “I don’t want this to be about me,” he said. “It’s the whole committee who is doing this.”

The application to submit a veteran’s name is available at the Fruit Heights City offices or by calling 801-546-0861.The application should be received by July 31, 2024. After the initial engraving, additional names will be added for an additional cost each year, or as necessary.

Donations of any amount can be made at Fruit Heights City Hall, 910 S. Mountain Road, or at www.fruitheightscity.com or by calling City Hall at 801-546-0861. Checks should be made out to Fruit Heights City with Veterans Memorial written on the memo line.

“Our freedom as Americans is one of our most cherished possessions,” Christiansen said in the release. “We are so grateful for these freedoms, but they have not come without cost. We strive to never forget these brave Americans who were willing to give their lives that we can be free. It is our honor and responsibility to honor and remember these men and women for generations to come.”