Join Cedar City For A Heartfelt Tribute To Our Veterans

Cedar City residents will gather on Saturday, December 13, for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, a tradition that City Councilman Scott Phillips says remains one of the most meaningful community events of the year. Speaking on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio, Phillips emphasized that although he serves on the city council, “it’s a very different role today, one that I enjoy very much.”

Phillips has been involved in the local effort since 2018, when he first witnessed a ceremony in Enoch and immediately felt Cedar City needed its own observance. As he explained on the broadcast, “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.” The purpose, he said, is to ensure veterans and their families know “during this holiday season, we haven’t forgotten them and what they provided to all of us through their service.”

This year’s ceremony is expected to take place in unusually pleasant weather. Phillips noted on the program that forecasts call for temperatures near 60 degrees at the 2 p.m. start time, a welcome surprise for December. He added that the event proceeds regardless of conditions because “our veterans were there and served us no matter the weather.”

Cedar City will lay 1,416 live balsam wreaths at the Municipal Cemetery, where Phillips said volunteers will place flags at every veteran’s grave in preparation for Saturday. Additional wreaths will be placed at Veterans Memorial Park, the Paiute Tribe of Utah’s memorial, and—new this year—the Southern Utah National Veterans Cemetery. Local participation continues to expand. Phillips stated, “there were about 2,300 communities across the country that participated. Now it’s nearing 5,500 communities.”

Iron County's Oldest Living Veteran To Be Honored

This year’s program includes a flyover in the missing man formation, musical performances, and remarks from Mayor Garth Green, marking what Phillips believes is likely the mayor’s final public appearance before leaving office. As part of the American 250 commemoration, the ceremony will also honor Iron County’s oldest living veteran, John Richard “Dick” Reed, a 102-year-old World War II veteran who helped care for survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Phillips described meeting him and said on the broadcast, “he’s a character. He’s a wonderful guy.”

Phillips encouraged the entire community to attend, stressing that participants do not need to have a personal connection to a veteran. “Anyone is welcome to go out and lay a wreath,” he said. Volunteers are asked to speak the veteran’s name and offer thanks when placing each wreath. With more than 150 flags planned along and inside the cemetery, Phillips promised the event will be “about as patriotic as I think you can possibly get.”

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Those attending should plan to arrive around 1:30 p.m. due to expected crowds and recent construction at the cemetery. Parking will be available onsite and along nearby streets, with golf carts provided for anyone needing assistance. The formal program is expected to last about 45 minutes, followed by the wreath-laying.

You can listen to our entire discussion with Councilman Phillips in the podcast below.