Councilmember Kelvin Green spent 40 years in uniform.

Green served in Macedonia as part of the Kosovo forces, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a year of active duty working for the National Guard. He was present for West Jordan’s annual Veterans Day program at Veterans Memorial Park. 

From Green's perspective as a city council member and a veteran, He is glad the Veterans Day Program is a yearly event. 

"It is a great opportunity for us to recognize community members who have served in the military,” he said. “When you look at the number of people from West Jordan who are in the military and those who showed up for the program, and many in uniform, it is a good way to recognize their service." 

On the day of the program, Mayor Dirk Burton welcomed everyone in attendance. “This isn't just an event on the calendar—it’s a time for us to come together, pay tribute and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service,” he said.

This year the program was hosted in partnership with the Utah National Guard and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The flag ceremony was done by the West Jordan Honor Guard. 

The flag ceremony was a new part this year. Flags are retired when they get old and they burn them. Two firemen performed the burning the flags ceremony. "This is the appropriate way to dispose of flags," Green said.

The National Anthem was performed by Sgt. 1st Class Janelle Soelberg, Utah Army National Guard. Congressman Burgess Owens gave the Veterans Day address. The keynote speaker was Utah National Guard Chief of Staff Col. Joseph W. Green. 

The seven-gun salute was done by Veterans of Foreign Wars, and “Taps” by retired Cpl. Ron Tranmer, Bugler, USMC. “Amazing Grace” was performed by Utah Pipe Band. Bells of Peace rang at the end of the ceremony. The music, rifle salute and speakers were great to hear and reflect on the service and sacrifice made by our service women and men. 

As part of the event a special flag retirement ceremony was held. The participants were asked to bring worn flags that needed to be retired in a respected manner. The flag ceremony was performed by the firemen with expertise and respect.  Most attendees had not seen a ceremony of retiring old flags.  

At the park there are benches with the name of a veteran who served and their family members. "This is a way we can memorialize veterans from West Jordan and the family can have a bench put in their name," Green said.