2 April 2008 - Entry 9
• Today the UFM organization was invited to officially introduce the Utah Freedom Memorial project to the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. UFM co-chairs, Tony Galvez and Scott Trudo, both told the group of 35 military representatives how they each came up with the idea for the state-wide monument. A brief video presentation was viewed and each attendee received a packet of information on the project. Bob Sorensen, BSA Board of Director member, Great Salt Lake Council, expressed the BSA support for this project and its location on the same footprint in Liberty Park where the 1922 memorial currently is situated, and which the BSA originally sponsored. Military members from all branches (Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army, National Guard) including General Tarbet, Commander of the Utah National Guard, were in attendance, along with several public affairs representatives from Hill AFB and other military installations.
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24 March 2008 - Entry 8
• ABC Channel 4 News Reporter, Jill Atwood interviews Tony Galvez.
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20 March 2008 - Entry 7
• Today marked our first major corporate donation. Scott Trudo, representing Wal-Mart, presented a check for $10,000 to Tony Galvez and the Utah Freedom Memorial. The check came from donations from four Wal-Mart stores; Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and Kerns.
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1 February 2008 - Entry 6
• The Monument Arts design team went to work...
• Several concept renderings were presented to the Executive Committee by Monument Arts, the company commissioned to design and construct the monument.
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26 February 2008 - Entry 5
• Leaders of the Utah Freedom Memorial were invited to present the
monument project to the Utah State Senate on 26 February 2008. During this
day, the monument project was also officially introduced to all 50 WalMart
store managers in Utah, including the 12 Sam's Club managers. Lt. Governor
Gary Herbert addressed the group.
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10 March 2008 - Entry 4
•A website was developed to promote the project and allow for on-line donations.
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25 February 2008 - Entry 3
• Letters of support were obtained from various state leaders.
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19 December 2007 -Entry 2
• A group of committed citizens, both civilian and military, old and young, organized themselves into the 'Utah Freedom Memorial' organization. An Executive Steering Committee, Advisory Steering Committee, and Event Sub-Committee were staffed.
• Legal issues were addressed that allowed the group to offer tax deductible donations. Potential corporate sponsors were identified. WalMart decided to take a lead roll in the project.
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2 January 2006 - Entry 1
• In 2006 the idea for a Utah memorial that honors military soldiers, celebrates freedom, and educates youth about the cost of freedom began to take shape.
• Many discussions were held with state political leaders, military leaders, local community leaders, parents of soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, and parents of soldiers who have been killed in action. Eventually the idea took form. Commitments were made, people were organized, funding was strategized, and a clear path to completion was identified.
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