The Utah Freedom Memorial project began based on the urging of two private citizens, Tony Galvez and Scott Trudo.  Mr. Galvez, a Gold Star Military Father, lost his son Adam in 2006, who was killed in Iraq during his second tour of duty. Galvez was looking for a way to honor his son, along with other fallen soldiers from Utah. Trudo is a manager at WalMart, and felt strongly that a memorial needed to be constructed to honor the cost and value of freedom, particularly given the current war on terrorism.  “We are thrilled with progress that has been made on the Utah Freedom Memorial,” stated Galvez.  “Today we are able to announce the official home of this important State monument, as well as share the memorial’s design and educational objectives with the public. Our hope is that private and corporate citizens alike will recognize the importance of educating our children regarding the cost of freedom, and the sacrifices that our soldiers have made on their behalf.” 

 Utah governmental leaders, including Governor Huntsman and Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert, have supported the Utah Freedom Memorial since its early stages.  Governor Huntsman, stated, "It is important that we as a society memorialize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear. This monument is a great tribute to those dedicated individuals and their families."

The permanent home of the Utah Freedom Memorial will be in the Sandy City Promenade. The venue was chosen based on its multi-acre green space and aesthetic attributes, proximity to the general population, and traffic flow. The backdrop of the Sandy City Promenade will be a fitting complement to the artistic and design objectives of the Utah Freedom Memorial.

The design for the Utah Freedom Memorial is unique in its objectives and proposed execution. The new monument will incorporate several unique design elements, and provides the following specific educational objectives: to celebrate freedom, to inspire, motivate and educate youth regarding the cost of freedom and their own opportunities to preserve it; and to honor Utah soldiers of all wars, with special emphasis on the war on terrorism.

The monument will include monoliths built on solid foundations to represent stability and enduring freedom, while bronze figures will provide a human element to the monument.  Bronze etchings will include discussions of commitment to duty, as well as the love of freedom and country that is embodied in the Utah soldier. The design will also rely on timeless natural materials of the earth, including granite, metal and glass.

 The Utah Freedom Memorial executive steering committee is comprised of private citizens, business representatives and military personnel. Mick Shannon, founder of the Children’s Miracle Network, will spearhead fundraising for the $1.5 million UFM monument.  Shannon plans to raise the majority of the money through the private sector.  Private and corporate donations may be made at www.UtahFreedomMemorial.org.  For further information on the Utah Freedom Memorial, please contact Daniel Bolz, project coordinator at 801.376.5214.

Suzanne Winchester
Public Relations Director
Letter23
157 Pierpont Avenue
SLC UT 84101
801.983.9266
swinchester@letter23.com

back to Press Room

top of page