Soldiers remembered at Logan High
Students, administrators and community members gathered for the re-dedication of the Memorial Bridge at Logan High School on Monday.
Elder L. Tom Perry, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and 1940 Logan High graduate, re-dedicated the memorial.
The bridge features a bronze World War II plaque, bearing the names of 46 Logan High students who died serving in the war. Originally, the plaque had been placed at the entrance to the athletic field, which was dedicated in 1950. The entrance and bridge became known as Memorial Bridge.
In 1993, a new addition to Logan High was constructed on the ground occupied by the park. The bridge was relocated and the plaque was moved to an insignificant area on its southwest end, according to Monday’s ceremony program.
In order for current students to recognize the sacrifices made by past students, the plaque was placed in a more prominent location.
Perry said, “I was thrilled to walk down and see [the bridge] today and see the plaque there and remember those [who] served and lost their lives.”
New plaques displaying the names of the students lost in the Korean and Vietnam wars will be added in the spring. A historical marker containing a history of the bridge will also be placed on the memorial.
“Soon all the members of the class of the late ’30s and ’40s will be gone. The names on the monument will not mean much to future students coming to Logan High School. But hopefully, the reason for which they made the sacrifice will endure and not be forgotten as they cross the bridge and go on to Memorial Field,” Perry said.
Perry spoke of Lyman W. Tarbet, one of the students who died in the war and influenced his life. Tarbet taught Perry how to use a slide rule, which he still keeps in his desk drawer today.
“So today we honor those like Lyman, those valiant patriots, their courage, their loyalty, their devotion to life,” he said.
After serving in the Marines, Perry has returned to the memorial many times to reflect on the lives of those lost.
“I’ve always gone to that Memorial Bridge and looked at the list of names there – some very good friends,” he said. “It was a time of reflection and thinking.”
Perry encouraged today’s generation of students to remember those who died for the United States.
“In today’s world, we need the next generation to come forward with the same determination, the same belief and the same courage possessed by the generation of those we honor today,” he said. “They have a great heritage to preserve. We need a generation that will bring forth an understanding of peace and what it means to belong to the land of the free.”
He then offered a dedicatory prayer for the memorial.
Many members of the Logan High Class of 1940 were in attendance at the re-dedication.
Leon Nelson, a graduate of that class, said, “This was a great program in recognition of the lives that were lost. I’m glad Elder Perry was able to dedicate the monument.”
Harold Heaton, Logan High Class of 1950, said, “What I thought was most impressive was seeing the Class of 1940 sitting in the front.”
Tami Pyfer, executive director of the Logan City School District Foundation, gave her remarks and gratitude to all those who made the re-dedication possible.
“To the Class of 1940, thank you for responding to a call for help. This is the Memorial Bridge, and we will not forget it again,” she said.
The Logan High Crimson Colony and Chauntaires and Philharmonic Orchestra provided the music, singing “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Chelsea Stephens, a senior at Logan High and member of the choir, said, “It’s a great thing to remember the past class. It’s incredible.”
The Logan City Police Department Honor Guard performed the flag ceremony.
Katie Cox, a senior at Logan High and member of the choir, said, “I thought it was really cool when they brought the flag in.”
Heaton said, “It was an honor to come.”
-mmackay@cc.usu.edu
Memorial Bridge is found at Logan High School. The bridge was re-dedicated Monday in memory of those who lost their lives defending th country. (Photo by Ryan Talbot)