“The monument is for all those who contributed to the World War II effort. Those who fought overseas and those who sacrificed here at home” (from House Bill 369).
Created by 2019 Utah Legislature
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Dailey-Provost and Senator Kirk Cullimore, the Utah Legislature created the World War II Memorial Commission in 2019. It purposes are to start identifying potential sites for a memorial, begin gathering information design elements of a memorial, and drafting a robust process of “next steps.”
Commission Members
Commander Marti Bigbie, American Legion
Senator Kirk Cullimore, Utah Senate
Jerry Estes, Disabled American Veterans
Rep. Stephen Handy, Utah House
Gary Harter, Utah Dept. of Veterans & Military Affairs
Don Hartley, Utah Division of State History
Dennis Howland, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost, Utah House
Commission Seeks Public Input on WWII Memorial
The newly-created World War II Memorial Commission invites Utahns to attend one of four public hearings to gather input on a proposed World War II monument:
- Monday, October 21 – 4:00 p.m. – Central Utah Veterans Nursing Home, 1551 North Main Street, Payson, UT
- Thursday, October 24 – 5:00 p.m. – George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home, 1102 North 1200 West , Ogden, UT
- Friday, October 25 – 3:30 p.m. – Southern Utah Veterans Nursing Home, 160 North 200 East, Ivins, UT
- Thursday, Nov. 21 – 6:00 p.m. – Fort Douglas Military Museum, 32 Potter Street, Salt Lake City, UT
A Home for the Memorial
The Commission is examining three options: a single site, multiple sites/monuments (hub-and-spoke type monument, or a series of small monuments created for specific groups) across the state, and also digital archive products, such as online oral histories, photo galleries, etc. Please give us your feedback using the comment form below.
(For your information, the Utah state capitol is not being considered as a potential location. The Capitol Preservation Board is not accepting any proposals for adding monuments or markers to the Capitol Hill Complex at this time. No new memorial can be built before 2104.)
Designing the Memorial(s)
Do you have any suggestions for how the memorial should be designed? What do you hope the memorial captures? Keep in mind that our intent is to recognize all Utahns who contributed to the World War II effort. What are some emotions or thoughts you hope visitors to the memorial will experience? Please give us your feedback.
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- Kearns Depot Army Air Base
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- WWII Denver & Rio Grande Western Yards Date December1944
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- WWII War effort. Date circa 1942
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- Food line at Topaz Internment Camp
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- WWII Defense Train special personnel. Date November 21 ,1941
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- WWII War effort. Date February 26, 1946 Navy Mothers Club Victory houses
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- Kearns Army Air Base Depot
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- Pleasant Grove Camp Airmen Date: circa 1942
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- WWII War Effort Date June 19, 1942 Continental Oil Co.
Securing Support
As the World War II Memorial process develops, we will seek donations. Donors are strongly encouraged to consult their own personal tax professionals about the deductibility of their donation.
Resources
Briefing document on current World War II monument and markers
Any Questions?
Please contact Kevin Fayles at [email protected] or 801-245-7254 or Alycia Rowley at [email protected] or 801-245-7226