SALT LAKE CITY -- On Wednesday, many of us will make an extra effort to thank our service men and women this Veteran’s Day.
But for many veterans in Utah, sharing that sentiment is an everyday thing.
“It’s not important what I’ve done. It’s important that we work together,” said Lloyd Barker, who served in World War II.
In his 90s, Lloyd can vividly recount his time in the U.S. Air Force. However, he would prefer to talk about the young men and women currently serving, the people he was fighting for all along.
“We did it because we wanted to have a better world for them,” Barker said.
Looking around the room at the Salt Lake Veterans Home on Tuesday afternoon, it appeared Barker had accomplished just that. In a room filled with other veterans from other wars, they celebrated their accomplishments alongside Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah.
“We just want our veterans to know that many of us love them and appreciate them and their families,” Stewart said.
It’s a welcomed change of heart by the public for Vietnam veteran, Karl Potter. When he returned from the war, few were eager to honor his efforts. It was not until this year that he received a Purple Heart for his service.
“Everybody says that freedom is not free,” Potter said. “And to veterans it means a lot because we’ve been there, done that and seen what it takes to keep America free.”
While the country will honor veterans like Potter and Barker this week, both hope the work of veterans is remembered far more often than that.
“Think about all that’s been done for them,” Lloyd said. “And see what they can add to it.”
FOX 13 News will continue its coverage of Veteran’s Day celebrations Wednesday.
