What started with a discovery of a bronzed plaque in its storage closet has turned into a tradition at Granite Park–one that has now earned national recognition. The memorial plaque, a gift from Granite Junior’s Class of 1948, led to a Veterans Day production honoring the twenty-two alumni who were killed in WWII.

“The Veterans Day event awoke our students to a pride in their country and respect for those that serve,” said principal Aaron Wilson.

In acknowledgment of the school’s commitment to honoring veterans, Granite Park was awarded the George Washington Medal of Freedom from the Utah Chapter of the Freedom Foundation. The award was presented by Gov. Gary Herbert.

The tradition has continued with Granite Park students honoring another group of alumni the following year. An additional memorial wall was created and unveiled during their 2018 Veterans Day production, honoring school alumni who died in Vietnam War. Similar to the year before, students learned about former Granite Park students who were killed during the conflict, and invited their surviving family members to be honored.