From The Editor The Price of Freedom It was 1985. Reagan was president, Nintendo was launched, and Madonna was taking pop culture by storm. I was seven years old, and summer break was almost here. It was time for the end of year recital. I was dressed in my Sunday best, and singing my little heart out on the three tiered stage of the auditorium. I knew I was a citizen of the United States of America. I recited the Pledge of Allegiance by heart each day with my class, and got to take my turn putting up the American flag. But until that recital, I had never FELT patriotism. As I stood there singing the newly released song “Proud to be an American” at the top of my lungs for the audience, I felt a distinct swelling in my chest. As the flag was raised high, tears came to my eyes as I mouthed the words, “I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me,” too choked up to add voice to them. In that moment I could see those brave men, on the battlefield, defending my freedom. It was personal that day. It was more than words on the pages of a history book, more than the special effects in Hollywood films, more than a 4th of July sparkler. It was real. Fast forward almost thirty years to today. I am married to a man who served in the Army for six years. We have two little boys of our own, but I still get choked up when I hear that song. I still see those men, those brave warriors of freedom, fighting for our right. Memorial Day and Independence Day are great reasons to get together and barbecue with loved ones, but let us not forget the reason we are celebrating. We are celebrating freedom. We are celebrating the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and honoring them for their service. We are celebrating the beauty that surrounds us in this most unique and beautiful area that we are lucky to call home in Cedar City, Utah. There ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.
of
Terrin Parker
py pickup your co a zine cedar cit y mag
Editor
t o day !
ouTdooR livin
iTy g | Commun
aRTS | CulTuRal
lneS HealTH & Wel | family |
S
FREE
You can find them at any medical service provider office in the Valley . Pick up your copy today at any of our advertisers’ place of business. Or at the following locations: •Brad’s Food Hut •Cedar City - Brian Head Tourism Bureau •Lin’s Foods •Cedar City Offices •Valley View Medical Center INSIDE: ! s to Cedar City Cycling Return nsen’s innings: Christe sine Historical Beg et Basil Thai Cui Swe : iew Rev Restaurant
4.indd 1
CedarCityHW031
APRIL/MAY 2014 g.com CedarCityMa
•Top Spot •Smith’s •Hurst’s •Megaplex Theaters •Cedar City Library Photo by Brent Prince
AM 3/26/14 11:24:24
Cedar City Magazine | June/July 2014 3