By Samira George | [email protected] 

When learning about historical events it’s sometimes hard to make a personal connection, but this wasn't the case for Granite Park Junior High students. This Veterans Day students had an opportunity to connect with their school’s past by celebrating seven former students who were killed serving in Vietnam.

“It is your turn to shoulder the responsibility in honoring the legacy of students that have come before you,” said Principal Aaron Wilson. 

“Roll-call” was taken and seven Granite Park students symbolically stood to represent the fact that these vets were once students too and should not be forgotten.  

Fifteen canisters of 8mm film depicting school life in the 1960s and ‘70s were shown. The films contained footage of everyday life at Granite. Film ranged from school dances, kids playing sports on the field with the iconic Wasatch mountains in the background, to students eating lunch in the cafeteria. The footage broke the barrier of time and showed students some traditions and activities never change. It also cemented the feeling that these young men were here, they walked the same halls, participated in similar school events and weren’t just another page in a history book, but figures in the community. 

On display in Granite Park’s halls were tables covered in World War II memorabilia with paratrooper outfits, rucksacks, and photo books of Granite Park back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Utah military history group, a volunteer organization, answered questions of students and faculty alike.