Honoring Our Heroes: Reflecting on My Speech at the Lehi Memorial Building Historical Marker Unveiling
Recently, I had the profound honor of speaking at the unveiling of a new historical marker in front of the Lehi Memorial Building. The event gave me a chance to reflect on the incredible spirit of service, sacrifice, and community that has long been a part of Lehi’s history. As someone who deeply values the heritage of our town and the sacrifices of those who served, it was a meaningful moment to stand before my fellow citizens and honor the legacy of Lehi’s veterans and pioneers.
The Lehi Memorial Building is more than just a structure—it’s a symbol of who we are as a community. Built in 1926 as the first municipal building in the U.S. dedicated to honoring World War I veterans, this building represents the heart and soul of Lehi. It’s where stories of bravery and sacrifice are remembered, not just from those who served in war, but also from the hardworking pioneers who founded our town.
I come from a family deeply rooted in the tradition of military service, and as I delivered my speech, I couldn’t help but think of my granduncle, Captain Murr Skousen, and my grandfather, Albert George Maloy. My granduncle was a B-29 pilot who flew dangerous missions over Japan during World War II, and although he never made it back, his bravery continues to inspire me. My grandfather, Albert George Maloy, served with Company M, 158th Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard, known as the “Bushmasters.” Though he didn’t deploy overseas, his work as a railroad engineer was crucial to supporting the war effort back home. These personal connections made my role in this dedication especially meaningful.
What struck me most as I prepared my speech was how much our community values honoring the past. The unveiling wasn’t just about a historical marker; it was about recognizing the families and veterans who have shaped our town. I also paid tribute to the incredible work done by American Legion Post 19. The men and women of this post have long served as the keepers of Lehi’s veteran stories, ensuring that the courage and sacrifices of our local heroes are never forgotten.
Lehi is a place where the pioneer spirit still thrives. Whether it’s in the way we honor our veterans or in the way we work together as a community, the values that built this town are still alive today. And as your representative in the Utah House, it’s my honor to serve such a remarkable community. Our history is our strength, and it is what keeps us moving forward, generation after generation.
Standing before the Memorial Building, unveiling that marker, I was reminded of how much Lehi has grown, but also how much we’ve stayed true to who we are. This town has always been a place where people take care of each other, where history is respected, and where the future is built on the foundation of hard work and community spirit.