Thread by @BenWinslow

I’m at a Veterans Day ceremony at @UUtah where @GovCox and @SenatorRomney are speaking. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Last year's ceremony could not be held because of #COVID19, so they are showing a video to the crowd of last year's honorees. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

The crowd is giving a standing ovation to this year's honorees. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

"Thank you to all of you who have served," @GovCox begins his Veterans Day remarks.

He says there's not a lot of good being shared in the world, but at least today we can pause and reflect on what is good.

"We're highlighting the very best of America." @fox13 #utpol #Utah

.@GovCox speaks of his wife's grandfather, a Marine who was "tough as nails," who served and was wounded at Iwo Jima.

The governor reads from the diary from that day, the emotion of seeing the American flag raised on the island. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

At the most difficult times, we turn to the men and women in uniform, @GovCox says.

"We again turn to members of the military, especially our national guardsmen, to help us through our toughest times," he says, noting the earthquake, floods, windstorms and the pandemic. @fox13

"You've done it over and over and over again. And you'll do it again, when we need you," @GovCox says, offering his gratitude to the veterans.

"Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank your for answering that call," he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Medallions are now being given to this year's military honorees.

Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton (who now serves in the Utah House of Reps) is the first honoree.

Sgt. Michael Miller of the Utah National Guard is being honored for his service in Iraq.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah

Marine Master Sgt. Julia Watson Carlson is being honored for her service, decorated for her precision shooting skills.

Army reserves Sgt. Gregory Orton, honored for his service in Iraq, Afghanistan. He saved fellow soldier and was shot in the head. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Army Maj. Mike Perkins is being honored for his service in Vietnam, including surviving a helicopter crash.

Army Warrant Officer 1 Robert Poast flew covert operations in Cambodia. Among his awards? A baby elephant for saving a village. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Lt. Col. Everett Rowles is recognized for his service in Vietnam as a medic. (The crowd is told he was shot and stabbed himself in war.)

Lt. Col. Bruce Sperry served in Afghanistan/Iraq as a Special Forces medic, refining combat care. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Army Lt. Col. Wallace Gatrell is honored for service in WW2 and Korea.

Army Sgt. First Class Travis Vendela is honored for service in Iraq, wounded by an IED, driving over it to protect others.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah

Navy Capt. Richard Schaffert is being honored (but is unable to attend). He flew 236 combat missions.

@SenatorRomney is now speaking to the crowd. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

"The best of the best. That's who we have before us," @SenatorRomney says of the honorees.

"Your sacrifice has made all of our lives possible."

@fox13 #utpol #Utah

.@SenatorRomney says it would be a wonderful thing if America's youth were able to serve in military or something else to help others.

"We're involved in the world, we serve in the world, in part to make sure America... and our freedom endures," he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

.@SenatorRomney pivots to talking about abuses in China, referencing the country carrying out genocide against some of its own.

He returns to the service of military members.

"You represent not just yourself today... but also the millions that have served," he says. @fox13

"We appreciate your service and honor you today," @SenatorRomney says.

Now, a 21-gun salute. @fox13 #utpol #Utah