SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah National Guard hosted its 60th annual Governor’s Day on Saturday; the event is described as a day of pageantry and tradition where soldiers and airmen come together to meet Governor Gary Herbert.
Herbert spoke at the event, and during his speech he thanked the troops who are on the front lines protecting Utahns and the country.
Herbert also spoke about the importance of prioritizing suicide prevention among those who serve in the military.
“Not only helping them transition, getting jobs, reassimilating back into civilian service, it’s also making sure we don’t have anybody, out of desperation and frustration, that takes their own life,” Herbert said.
Lt. Col. Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard spokesman, said sometimes people don’t realize how much local service the National Guard performs.
“We work and serve locally, and sometimes that gets overlooked in the events following September 11th where we were sent overseas, but we perform a very important function here at home, and that’s something that’s good to remind the public about,” he said.
