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2019 America's Freedom Festival

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AMERICA’S

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

H 2019 people and events celebrating the Fourth of July H

Honorees include Apollo 11 physicist, 9/11 first responder

Parade grand marshals feature Chuck Norris

Keith Urban heating up Stadium of Fire

Find more coverage of the Freedom Festival online at http://heraldextra.com

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A2 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD


FREEDOM FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | A3


A4 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

TABLE OF CONTENTS A5 'Long Hot Summer' Keith Urban headlines another bright year at the Stadium of Fire

A6 Freedom Awards Year's most touching gala honors those with valiant courage

B2 On parade Days of '47 float joins the Grand Parade

B3 2019 Grand Parade Marshals Chuck Norris doesn't celebrate freedom, freedom celebrates Chuck Norris

B4 Don’t miss it www.heraldextra.com

STAFF

Publisher

City Editor

Executive Editor

Design

Scott Blonde

Jordan Carroll

86 N. University Ave, #300, Provo, UT 84601

Kurt Hanson

All the events to mark on your calendars

Heather Marcus

801-373-5050 • 800-880-8075

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Kyle Bond, a member of the Utah County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, carries the American flag down University Ave. during the Freedom Festival’s Grand Parade on July 4, 2018, in Provo.

- R o b e r t

F r o s t

freedomcu.com | 801-375-2120 815 N Freedom Blvd, Provo, UT


SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | A5

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Sierra Johnson, of Layton, waits to perform with other Stadium of Fire Dancers before Stadium of Fire held July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Attendees watch the fireworks show from the stands during Stadium of Fire held July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

Stadium of Fire acts celebrate 50 years since first man on moon SARAH HARRIS

Daily Herald

Some of the acts at the America’s Freedom Festival at Provo’s 2019 Bank of American Fork Stadium of Fire will celebrate 50 years since Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in July 1969. This year’s 24-minute fireworks finale following country singer Keith Urban’s performance is set to include a 12-minute section of moon songs before ending with 12 minutes of patriotic music, according to Paul Warner, the Freedom Festival’s executive director. Trampoline team Flippenout, who performed at the 2014 Stadium of Fire dressed as superheroes, will also incorporate the 50th anniversary into their routine. “(Five) years ago, they had

the stand and just tramps on two sides,” Warner said. “This year, they’re going to try to make the thing look a little bit like landing on the moon, and they’ll have four trampolines on four different sides of the thing that’ll be out in the middle of the field, so we’re anticipating really a super thing that way.” Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris, who was originally announced as part of this year’s Stadium of Fire lineup, will not appear at the event due to some challenges that came up in his schedule, according to Warner. “He’ll still be the parade grand marshal, but a co-grand marshal because Jennie Taylor will also be a grand marshal,” Warner said. Jennie Taylor is the wife of Maj. Brent Taylor, a former

North Ogden mayor who was killed in Afghanistan last year. The Stadium of Fire will hold to its traditions of featuring new acts from the Stadium of Fire Dancers, a Hill Field military flyover and skydivers, who will appear during the first part of the show. “Last year, we had them in lit suits,” Warner said. “This year, they’ll come at the start and bring the flag into the service.” The event will include a section recognizing longtime former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch’s service in the community, the Freedom Awards Gala honorees and Master Officer Joseph Shinners, a Provo police officer who died in the line of duty this year. The winner of Gigg’s Stadium of Fire Talent Competition will perform two numbers that will “be popular with the

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Airplanes perform a flyover during Stadium of Fire held July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

crowd,” according to Warner. “It won’t be just some number nobody’s ever heard before, but it’ll be a cover song from some artist,” Warner said. Guests can also anticipate giveaways from KSL, iHeartRadio, Provo City and Bank of American Fork. “We try to do everything we can to lead up to the talent to be positive, fast paced, get a patriotic feel and appreciation as the honor guard comes in, so that this is something that you

feel, ‘I’m glad I’m an American and I’m glad I came tonight,’” Warner said. “We want people to feel like it was great to come.” Warner thinks these acts contribute “the spirit of Americana” to the Stadium of Fire. “This is America,” Warner said. “The flag, the honor guard, the jets — these are all things that really make the country what it is, and for a moment or two, we can forget about the fight between Demo-

crats and Republicans and this group and that group and just for a night all be Americans and be grateful that we have … an opportunity to say, ‘I’m glad to live in this county, and maybe I can help it be a little better.’” The Stadium of Fire is set for July 4 at 8 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium, 1700 N. Canyon Road, Provo. Tickets cost $29-$250, with more information online at stadiumoffire.com.


A6 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

COURTESY FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Christel Foreman

COURTESY FREEDOM FESTIVAL

COURTESY FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Tommy Asher

Maj. Brent Taylor and Jennie Taylor

2019 Freedom Awards recipients, including Maj. Brent Taylor, 9/11 first responder, to be honored at Provo gala LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

A 9/11 survivor, an escapee of Nazi Germany and a physicist who developed the flight plan for Apollo 11 are among this year’s recipients of the Freedom Awards. The 34th annual Freedom Awards Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 2 at the Utah Valley Convention Center, 220 W. Center St. in Provo. Following a formal meal, stories of Freedom Award recipients will be shared and awards will be presented. Audience members are able to meet the recipients at the end of the evening. The Freedom Awards are

presented each year to individuals who have demonstrated a unique contribution to the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, according to Vicki Garbutt, gala chairwoman. Award recipients were nominated by individuals in the community and the Freedom Festival’s advisory, trustee and executive boards. “We watch throughout the year for interesting stories. There are always far more nominees than we can honor,” Garbutt said. “Not everyone under consideration is available during our timeframe or able to travel to attend because of health reasons. This is especially true of our World War II

veterans.” “Our recipients have run the gamut from presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, war heroes and first responders to POWs, youth, and even a humble garbage man,” Garbutt said. “Each has done something in their realm of influence which helps define, honor and represent the traditional American values of God, family, freedom and country.” This year’s recipients are a diverse group who have all contributed to the good of the community and country in different ways. Major Brent and Jennie Taylor and their seven children will be honored. Brent,

the late mayor of North Ogden and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, was killed in the line of duty while deployed in Afghanistan in November 2018. Brent and Jennie Taylor have taught their children to serve those around them. Commander Don L. Lind was a naval aviator and space physicist for NASA. Selected as one of the “Original Nineteen,” he helped develop the flight plan for Apollo 11, which landed a man on the moon. He also served as a capsule communicator on the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. He later went into space himself as a member of the Challenger STS-51-B mission in April 1985.

Tommy Asher was a member of the New York City Fire Department when two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center on 9/11. Asher, his brother and his father all responded. Beyond the 343 firefighters lost that day, 175 have since died from the physical and emotional impact of that period. It is important to Asher that the sacrifice of those individuals not be forgotten. Christel Sawatzke Foreman was a child in Germany during World War II. Her family’s farm was burned to the ground. Her father was put in prison, where he later died. Foreman, age 10, and her brother, age 15, along with their mother hid during

the day to avoid capture. At night they would return to what was left of their farm to dig up the barrels which their father had buried, filled with food and clothing. Eventually, they were able to come to the United States. Entertainment will be at the gala as well. The barbershop group, “Signature,” and pianist John Sargeant will be performing. Tickets are available to the public, but must be purchased in advance. They will be available for $50 each from June 3-25. Contact the Freedom Festival office at (801) 818-1776 to purchase tickets or for more information.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | A7

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Freedom Festival director to retire after ’19 COURTESY PROVO CITY

GENELLE PUGMIRE

Daily Herald

The Freedom Festival will have a new executive director in 2020. According to a statement released in January, “After 12 years of unwavering, invaluable service, American’s Freedom Festival Executive Director Paul Warner will retire after the 2019 summer festivities.” The Freedom Festival sought new applicants for the position from January through March. As executive director, Warner has operated as the top administrator in the nonprofit Freedom Festival organization and serves under the direction of the Board of Trustees, made up of five members from the festival’s executive committee. Warner has had a formidable part in negotiating contracts between the festival, Utah County and Provo’s city administration. He played a key role in signing non-discrimination contracts when issues over who would and would not be allowed to participate in the Grand Parade came to a head last year after public dismay in 2017. However, within 24 hours following the contract signing with Provo, Warner and the festival barred more than five groups associated with the LGBTQ community from participating. A flurry of 11th-

Paul Warner, left, and Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, sign a new contract between the Freedom Festival and Provo that includes a nondiscrimination clause, as, from left to right, Isaac Paxman, David McDougal, David Sewell, Steven Shallenberger, Gary Winterton, Tracy Orme and Nancy Mann watch in the back, on June 12, 2018.

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Paul Warner, executive director of the Freedom Festival, Dec. 7, 2017. hour negotiations got most of those groups back in the 2018 parade, but with heavy restrictions. Warner’s position also works closely with the vice presidents and event chairs, who help organize and maintain relationships with vendors and sponsors of the festival’s 25 to 30 annual events. “The Freedom Festival leaders are united in their gratitude and love for outgoing Executive Director Paul Warner,” the press release stated. “Paul has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Freedom Festival over the last three decades

as he served on the Board prior to becoming Executive Director. His love for country, his passion for the community, and his tireless service will be remembered for many years to come.” Applicants for Warner’s position were said to be screened, and three or four candidates were originally planned to be interviewed by the search committee that was appointed by the Board of Trustees. A new director was expected to be trained by Warner in the spring and summer.

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7:00 PM Utah Valley University UCCU Center, Orem FREE TO THE PUBLIC This year the Freedom Festival organization is pleased to welcome as its Patriotic Service keynote speaker His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. Cardinal Dolan will speak on the topic of preserving our constitutional right to the free exercise of religion. Special introductory remarks will be provided by Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The service will also include spirited, patriotic musical performances by the 23rd Army Band of the Utah National Guard and by One Voice

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Children's Choir, along with a presentation by this year's winner of the Youth Speech Contest, Grayson Hardman of Lone Peak High School in Alpine. As always, this event is free of charge to the public and will be held in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley

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A8 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

&MEBIC&'S FREEDOM FESTIVAL A T

July 4

9:00 AM University Ave., Provo Join us on July 4 at 9am for the Grand Parade -the largest of its kind in the state of Utah -highlighting freedom through bands, professionally crafted floats, giant helium balloons and local and national performers. Entries will be given the unique challenge to promote patriotism and traditional family values to around 300,000 spectators, through music, displays, dance, and other creative and meaningful expression. The parade will begin at 960 N. University Ave. and proceeds south to 200 S. and then turns east to 200 E. From there it turns north to Center St. and then turns east and ends at 900 E.

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July 4, 5 & 6 Scera Park, 699 S. State St. Orem

Colonial Heritage Festival

9am - 6pm

Step back in time and visit history face to face at the Colonial Village daily 9am - 6pm (Shakespeare performance 6pm and colonial dance 7pm Friday only) All free to the public. Cries of Freedom - SCERA Center for the Arts

10am - 8pm

The story of freedom-seeking people throughout history is told through song and dance. Get full details at www. criesoffreedom.com Freedom Vehicles Military Outpost (July 4th)

12pm - 6pm

9am - 6pm (July 5th-6th) Dance July 5th lpm-9pm

Enjoy interactive learning displays and tools used to defend our freedoms from WWI to Deseret storm and more.

P R O V 0

July 3, 4, 5 & 6 July 3 5:00pm-11:00pm July 4 11:00am - 6:00pm July 5 10:00am - 11:00pm July 6 10:00am - 6:00pm Downtown Provo

Freedom Days is a 4 day, fun-filled event in downtown Provo. Bring the family and enjoy the City of Fun Carnival. Visit our food vendors for snow cones, a Texas Twister, corn on the cob, a Turkey Leg and many other international treats. Shop the vendors for handmade crafts, jewelry, quilts and many more unique items. Enjoy live entertainment with a wide selection of musical genres; and visit our art exhibit, featuring nationally acclaimed artists.

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July 4, 5,

&

6

6:00 AM Bulldog Field, 1100 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo Gather with more than 25,000 spectators to experience approximately 25 of these magical giants close-up as part of the ever popular Balloon Fest. Balloons fly each morning on July 4, 5 and 6 from 6:00am to 8am. Families and children may walk around the balloons as they inflate. Make sure and arrive at 6:00am to see the balloons inflate! Pilots participate in the Hare and the Hound competition where "hound" balloons drop bean bags onto a target laid out by the "hare." Pilots obtain additional points through jousting as they attempt to pop large balloons with sharp sticks 200 to 300 feet above the ground. Top pilots from around the nation come to compete in this unique and difficult event. The majority of the Balloon Fest committee have been working together since the inception of this event 34 years ago. Our thanks go out to these wonderful long-term volunteers! Don't forget the Kiwanis Breakfast! To learn more & for info on other summer events go to

FreedomFestival.org


SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | B1

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD

Fifth-graders wear cultural clothing as they perform “All Kinds of People” during the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

Fifth-graders watch as members of Independence High School’s ROTC program process the colors before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD

Fifth-graders pose for a group picture before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

Hope of America’s new sense of patriotism BRALEY DODSON

Daily Herald

Even after more than 10 years conducting thousands of students in Hope of America, the event still pulls at Michelle Lloyd’s heartstrings. “I still get teared up at some of the songs,” Lloyd said. Lloyd’s first involvement in Hope of America was as a teacher 21 years ago, when students performed during Stadium of Fire before the event moved to the UCCU Center and eventually the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University. The event now consists of three nights of performances, more than 8,000 students and over a hundred schools. But despite becoming an annual tradition for Utah County’s fifth graders, the program still has an emotional impact on those who have been involved for more than a decade. The event has been put on by the America’s Freedom Festival at Provo since 1996 and includes thousands of students each night wearing red, white, blue and yellow shirts while standing in the shape of the American flag and signing patriotic songs. Kelli Wall, a teacher at Timpanogos Academy, a public charter school in Lindon, has

been participating in some capacity with the school for 17 years. After the first year, Wall said the teachers loved the program so much they wanted it to become an annual tradition. Wall said the students learn a lot from the program. “Every year there is a new sense of pride or patriotism that comes from the kids, or even myself,” Wall said. Her favorite songs from the event include “Thank You Military” and “We Can Be a Light,” where students use flashlights. Lloyd, whose husband is a policeman, has found favorites in “American Heroes” and “I Love America,” a song that talks about different scenes in America. “I think the music is so beautiful and the message is so beautiful,” Lloyd said. Lloyd leads the choir on all three nights. Each night’s batch of students gets one dress rehearsal, and then it’s showtime. “It’s just amazing, and every year it comes together,” she said. Lloyd said she keeps coming back because she loves the event, whether that’s watching families who show up an hour ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD before the show to support Erick Acosta and his sister, Rachel Acosta, both of Orem, dance together as they perform with other members of Viva El Folklore before their students, or people who the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo. return every year.

ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD

Members of Jean’s Golden Girls perform before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo. Diane Trotter, 71, of Provo, waits to perform with members of Jean’s Golden Girls before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD

Lucero Bran, of Orem, stands in the wings with other members of Viva El Folklore before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD

Utah Valley University’s Green Man Group performs before the opening night of the 2019 Hope of America Student Showcase held Tuesday, May 7 at the Marriott Center in Provo.


B2 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

Freedom Festival Parade has long tradition, colorful history received generally positive comments concerning Miss America’s Freedom Festival America’s participation in the Grand Parade has been a show- parade, many people were very piece of Provo’s annual July 4 vocal concerning the Vietnam celebration for more than a veterans participation. century. Each year, there is That was just 10 years folsomething newly added to lowing the Vietnam War. Much entice visitors and keep a fresh was said about their appearline-up. ance and lack of organization. This year for the first time, Many other negative comthe official Days of ’47 float ments were expressed, Jensen will be in the parade. Joining it said. Over the past two years, vowill be at least 20 other floats, 15 bands and 10 equestrian cal discord was again expressed units. Utah Valley University concerning LGBTQ groups will have a float with two gi- that wanted to participate in ant screens that will project the parade. the parade spectators. On June 13, 2018, the Daily While it’s difficult to pin- Herald reported that all five point when parades celebrat- LGBTQ-serving organizations ing July 4 first began in Provo, that had applied to enter the Untitled layer Freedom Festival officials esti- parade had been denied. The 6denials came just a day mate it began just a few years Line after Provo’s founding, most after Utah County and Provo both added nondiscriminalikely in the early 1850s. In a 1985 master’s thesis tion clauses to their funding about America’s Freedom Fes- agreements with the festival tival by Marlo Jensen, he said following an incident in 2017 in the earliest published reports which Encircle, a LGBT youth on Independence Day celebra- resource center based in Provo, tions were in the Utah County was denied entry to the parade EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD Enquirer July 7, 1877. after previously having its apUtah Gov. Gary Herbert waves to the crowd during the Freedom Festival’s Grand Parade on July 4, 2018, in Provo. There doesn’t seem to be one plication approved. fixed date on when Provo’s paThe board of trustees for rade and celebration became a the festival argued that it had yearly organized event. Some “wide discretion to include or years, like during the two exclude organizations, groups, World Wars and the Great De- individuals, content, etc., on a pression, they didn’t celebrate. wide variety of grounds.” However, the date on the ofThe word went viral on soficial timeline being kept by the cial media across the country. Provo Public Library says it was Within 24 hours the Freedom It takes a lot of time and energy to get the Freedom Festival’s July 4, 1919, 100 years ago. Festival leadership had met Grand Parade ready. Here are a few fun facts about the parade. According to Paul Warner, with the groups in question executive director, the Ameri- and they were allowed to be There will be: ca’s Freedom Festival and Free- in the parade with certain re• 15 bands dom Foundation that owns the strictions. • 20 floats The Freedom Festival Grand festival, picked up the tradition • 10 equestrian units 24 years ago. They are already Parade continues to bring • 50 Military vehicles all privately owned, representing each looking for ways to celebrate thousands of people to the war since WWI streets of Provo. Pre-parade next year’s 25th anniversary. No matter when it really be- festivities begin at 8 a.m. with • Everyone’s favorite necessity: 70-80 “Honey Buckets” gan, the parade is always grow- the Grand Parade following at along the parade route ing and has quickly become the 9 a.m. • 300,000 spectators This year’s parade route belargest celebration of its kind in • 400 volunteers, which include local ham radio operators the country, bringing in more gins at about 1000 N. Univerare at every intersection to assist with safety the 300,000 spectators every sity Ave. and heads south to • 4 commemorative Air Force planes from Heber City airport year. 200 South where it turns east • 100 LDS missionaries carrying an American flag According to Jensen, in 1985, to 200 East and then heads Miss America Sharlene Wells north to Center Street and then • 19 different dignitaries, including Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. John and several Vietnam veterans continues east to 900 East. Curtis, Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt Gov. Spencer Cox. were among the special guests. For more information visit However, while the parade https://freedomfesitval.org. GENELLE PUGMIRE

Daily Herald

Untitled map

Freedom Festival Grand Parade Fun Facts

Past Grand Parade marshals

2014

2016

2018

GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Alan and Karen Ashton, the grand marshals of the Freedom Festival, wave from their vehicle during the Grand Parade on July 4, 2018, in Provo. The Orem couple are frequent philanthropists in Utah and founded Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, which features multiple museums and hosts the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.

2017

ASHLEY FRANSCELL, DAILY HERALD

Ira Fulton watches dancers and performers during a celebration at UVSC February 1, 2007. The celebration was to publicly thank Fulton and his wife, Mary Lou, for their donation of $516,000 a match to money raised by the students at UVSC. In 2016, the Freedom Festival honored Fulton for his donations to the Utah community.

Olympian Noelle Pikus-Pace waves to the crowd at Freedom Festival’s Patriotic Service at the Marriott Center on June 29, 2014. Pikus-Pace is a silver medal winning U.S Olympiad who at one time lived in Utah County.

2015

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Mayor of Provo John Curtis and his family wave as people greet him during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade on uly 4, 2017, in Provo. With his eight-year run coming to an end, America’s Freedom Festival leadership decided that now was the right time to honor Curtis for his service to the city and the growth that he’s spearheaded.

MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD

Steve Young, left, joined by fellow All American quarterbacks from BYU, hands the microphone to Hall of Fame coach LaVell Edwards during halftime of the BYU game against Washington at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo Sept. 4, 2010. A hometown favorite, LaVell served as the Grand Parade Grand Marshal in 2015 riding the parade route in a Jaguar, followed by five of his favorite quarterbacks in a stretch limousine.


SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | B3

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Jennie Taylor, Chuck Norris to represent freedom at the 2019 Grand Parade in Provo LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

This year’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade’s grand marshals represent freedom and support of the country’s military. Jennie Taylor and her seven children will be honored as grand marshals, along with actor and martial artist Chuck Norris. Jennie Taylor’s husband, Maj. Brent Taylor, was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Utah Army National Guard in Afghanistan in November. He was also the mayor of North Ogden at the time of his death. Jennie Taylor and her seven children love community celebrations and want to continue her husband’s legacy of service to and support of freedom and country, she said. Norris was chosen to be honored because of his strong support of the armed forces and veterans, according to Dorene Nelson, Freedom Festival committee member. The grand marshals are chosen by the parade committee and Freedom Festival board members. “These events that include an honor for Brent have really helped us because they fill our hearts with humility and gratitude and gratitude softens grief. We are heartbroken over the loss of Brent, to put it mildly, but we are also incredibly proud of him and humbled by the incredible outpouring of community support,” Taylor said. “We don’t know why or how we’ve ended up in the public position in which we currently find ourselves, but feel honored to represent the thousands of other military families in our state, especially our fellow Gold Star families.

Chuck Norris Brent’s military service has always been a family commitment — and one we have been proud to fulfill.” Maj. Taylor was a huge fan of Chuck Norris, according to Jennie Taylor, and her children are excited about the possibility of meeting him during the festivities associated with the Freedom Festival. In fact, Jennie Taylor recently came across a journal entry in her husband’s military memoir about sharing Chuck Norris jokes with his soldiers. “That will make it a huge honor for our family and it will feel like a special piece of Brent right here with us,” Jennie Taylor said. According to Jennie Taylor, she and her children will have the opportunity to participate in this year’s parade, the Freedom Awards Gala and the Stadium of Fire with Keith Urban singing and other performances on the evening of the July 4. “It will be our honor to meet

COURTESY FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Jennie Taylor and Maj. Brent Taylor with their seven children

“It will be our honor to meet the other grand marshals, along with the incredible people who put the Freedom Festival together every year,” she said. “My oldest two kids are most excited about the chance to ride in a hot air balloon early in the morning of (July) 5th. ... We are more grateful than words can say for the faith, hope and charity that have been offered in our behalf.” — Jennie Taylor

the other grand marshals, along together every year,” she said. ride in a hot air balloon early in can say for the faith, hope and with the incredible people “My oldest two kids are most the morning of (July) 5th. ... We charity that have been offered who put the Freedom Festival excited about the chance to are more grateful than words in our behalf,” Jennie said.

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B4 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Hazel Johnson, of Santaquin, takes a moment to herself before Stadium of Fire held July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Participants of the Freedom Run walk down University Ave. before the Grand Parade on July 4, 2018, in Provo.

2019 Freedom Festival Calendar of Events Freedom Golf Tournament The second-annual Bank of American Fork Freedom Golf Classic will include 32 teams vying for great prizes and to help make a difference in the lives of veterans and patriots. When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Riverside Country Club; 2701 N. University Ave., Provo Cost: $250 per person

Saturday, June 29

Children’s Parade Nearly 2,500 kids participate in this annual parade, which also includes the Provo and Timpview High School marching bands. The parade lasts 45 minutes and includes a chance for kids to meet po-

lice officers and firefighters. No skateboards or motorized vehicles are allowed. When: 10:30 a.m. Where: 800 E. Center Street, Provo Cost: Free Bluegrass Timpanogos Folk Festival This year, the concert has moved to the Timpanogos High School stadium in Orem. It will feature musician and composer Marvin Paine as host and guest artists John Reischman and the Jaybirds. When: 7 p.m. Where: Timpanogos High School Stadium; 1450 N. 200 East, Orem Cost: Free

The keynote speaker at this year’s service will be His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. Introductory remarks will be made by Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve. When: 7 p.m. Where: UCCU Center, Utah Valley University, Orem Cost: Free

Tuesday, July 2

Freedom Awards Gala The Freedom Awards Gala will honor individuals who have given meaning and depth to the word “freedom.” When: 6:30 p.m. ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD Where: Utah Valley Convention Center; 220 W. Center St., Attendees watch the fireworks show during Stadium of Fire held July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Provo Stadium in Provo.

Sunday, June 30

Patriotic Service

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | B5

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Wednesday, July 3

Fine Arts Show Head to the Historic Utah County Courthouse to see original artwork and reproductions from 22 invited artists. When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 151 S. University Ave., Provo Cost: Free Freedom Days This fun 4-day event includes the City of Fun Carnival, as well as vendors selling food, craft, jewelry, quilt and other unique items. When: 5-11 p.m. Where: Provo Center Street Cost: Free Clog America This show will feature Clog America, now in its 28th year touring as U.S. Ambassadors of Goodwill. There will be a preshow at 7 p.m. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Orchard at University Place; 575 E. University Parkway, Orem

Thursday, July 4

Balloon Fest Enjoy three mornings with the beauty of balloons as you see the magical giants close up. You can walk around the balloons as they inflate and pilots participate in the Hare and the Hound competition. When: 6-8 a.m. Where: Bulldog Field; 1100 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo Cost: Free Freedom Run Join more than 5,500 runners decked in patriotic garb as they run in the 10k, 5k or Mayor’s one-mile Fun Run. When: 7 a.m. Where: Kiwanis Park; 1019 N. 1100 East, Provo Cost: Varies by race Grand Parade This is the largest Independence Day parade in the state, and is one of the most iconic events of the Freedom Festival. When: 9 a.m. Where: University Avenue and Center Street, Provo Cost: Free Colonial Fest Experience Independence Day during colonial times, with debates, public trials,

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

The crowd near the QueerMeals stand react as the Provo Pride group marches past during the Freedom Festival’s Grand Parade on July 4, 2018, in Provo.

storytelling in the Old South Church, gun displays, cannon firings, and even a Mayflower replica. Exhibits include a print shop, blacksmith, potter, apothecary shop, broom maker, and gunsmith. When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: SCERA Park; 600 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Cries of Freedom Enjoy “Cries of Freedom: The Musical,” now in its 12th season. This year, there will be a special Walk of Honor to honor fallen soldiers. When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: SCERA Center for

the Arts; 745 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Freedom Days This fun 4-day event includes the City of Fun Carnival, as well as vendors selling food, craft, jewelry, quilt and other unique items. When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Provo Center Street Cost: Free Fine Arts Show Head to the Historic Utah County Courthouse to see original artwork and reproductions from 22 invited artists. When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 151 S. University Ave., Provo

Cost: Free Military Outpost This fun, interactive and educational display is great for all ages and includes more than 50 military vehicles and more than 20,000 artifacts. When: All day Where: SCERA Park; 600 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Stadium of Fire Finish Independence Day with one of America’s biggest 4th of July celebrations. This year’s headlining act will be country star Keith Urban, and there will be an incredible fireworks display.

Colonial Fest When: 8 p.m. Where: LaVell Edwards StaExperience Independence dium; 1700 N. Canyon Road, Day during colonial times, with debates, public trials, Provo storytelling in the Old South Cost: $35-$250 Church, gun displays, cannon Friday, July 5 firings, and even a Mayflower Balloon Fest replica. Exhibits include a Enjoy three mornings with print shop, blacksmith, potthe beauty of balloons as you ter, apothecary shop, broom see the magical giants close up. maker, and gunsmith. When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. You can walk around the balWhere: SCERA Park; 600 S. loons as they inflate and pilots participate in the Hare and the State St., Orem Cost: Free Hound competition. Freedom Days When: 6-8 a.m. Where: Bulldog Field; 1100 This fun 4-day event inN. Freedom Blvd., Provo cludes the City of Fun Carnival, Cost: Free as well as vendors selling food,

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B6 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

craft, jewelry, quilt and other unique items. When: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Where: Provo Center Street Cost: Free Cries of Freedom Enjoy “Cries of Freedom: The Musical,” now in its 12th season. This year, there will be a special Walk of Honor to honor fallen soldiers. When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: SCERA Center for the Arts; 745 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Military Outpost This fun, interactive and educational display is great for all ages and includes more than 50 military vehicles and more than 20,000 artifacts. When: All day Where: SCERA Park; 600 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free

Saturday, July 6

Balloon Fest Enjoy three mornings with the beauty of balloons as you see the magical giants close up. You can walk around the balloons as they inflate and pilots participate in the Hare and the Hound competition. When: 6-8 a.m. Where: Bulldog Field; 1100 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo Cost: Free Colonial Fest Experience Independence Day during colonial times, with debates, public trials, storytelling in the Old South Church, gun displays, cannon firings, and even a Mayflower replica. Exhibits include a print shop, blacksmith, potter, apothecary shop, broom maker, and gunsmith. When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: SCERA Park; 600 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Freedom Days This fun 4-day event includes the City of Fun Carnival, as well as vendors selling food, craft, jewelry, quilt and other unique items. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Provo Center Street Cost: Free Cries of Freedom

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Titus Trimiar waits to perform with other Stadium of Fire Dancers before Stadium of Fire held Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald Enjoy “Cries of Freedom: The Musical,” now in its 12th season. This year, there will be a special Walk of Honor to honor fallen soldiers. When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: SCERA Center for the Arts; 745 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free Military Outpost This fun, interactive and educational display is great for all ages and includes more than 50 military vehicles and more than 20,000 artifacts. When: All day Where: SCERA Park; 600 S. State St., Orem Cost: Free

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EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Sterling Poulson, chief meteorologists at KUTV, addresses the attendees of the Flags and Flowers event at the Provo City Cemetery on July 3, 2018.


SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 | B7

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Facts about America and the Fourth of July U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most American of holidays will be marked with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues across the country. As we celebrate this Independence Day, we reflect on how our Founding Fathers enshrined the importance of statistics in our Constitution as a vital tool for measuring our people, places and economy. 2.5 million: In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: 1789-1945 323.1 million: The nation’s estimated population on July 4, 2016. Source: U.S. and World Population Clock 56: The number of signers to the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document. n It is also worth noting that John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer, and a merchant by trade. In 2015, there were 7.7 million business establishments with paid employees in the United States; 1.1 million, like Hancock, were in the retail trade industry. Source: 2015 Geography Area Series: County Business Patterns, Table CB1500A11 n Benjamin Franklin, who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers at age 70. Franklin County, Pa., had an estimated population of 153,851 as of July 1, 2016. Edward Rutledge, of South Carolina, was the youngest at age 26. Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 n Two future presidents signed, John Adams (second president) and Thomas Jefferson (third president).

Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the declaration (July 4, 1826). There are 12 counties nationwide named Adams and 26 named Jefferson. Source: 2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files n Robert Livingston, who represented New York, was on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence but was recalled by his state before he could sign it. Livingston County, N.Y., was home to an estimated 64,257 people as of July 1, 2016. Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 n Representing Georgia in 1776 were Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall and George Walton. Gwinnett County, Ga. (907,135); Hall County, Ga. (196,637); and Walton County, Ga. (90,184), were named for these signers. Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 n Charles Carroll, who represented Maryland, was the last surviving signer of the declaration. He died in 1832 at the age of 95. Carroll County, Md., named for him, had an estimated population of 167,656 as of July 1, 2016. Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 n Roger Sherman, who worked as a land surveyor and lawyer, represented Connecticut. In 2015, there were an estimated 25,698 surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetrists employed full time, year-round, and 879,090 lawyers employed full time, year-round nationwide. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table B24124 n Nelson County, Va. (14,869), and Wythe County, Va. (29,016), were named for two of the six signers who represented the state of Virginia — Thomas Nelson Jr. and George Wythe. Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 $296.2 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2016, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($307.8 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $10.0 million

in the same year. Source: International Trade Statistics, Code 360410 $368.6 million: The value of fireworks sales by retailers in 2012. Source: 2012 Economic Census, NAICS: 453998 $5.4 million: The value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2016. The vast majority of this amount ($5.3 million) was imported from China. Source: International Trade Statistics, Code 6307909825 $27.8 million: The value of U.S. flags exported in 2016. Mexico accounted for the vast majority of U.S. flags exported ($26.1 million). Source: International Trade Statistics, Code 6307909825 33: The number of counties and census incorporated places that contain the word “Liberty” in the name. Of the 33 areas, four are counties: Liberty County, Texas (81,704); Liberty County, Ga. (62,570); Liberty County, Fla. (8,202); and Liberty County, Mont. (2,409). Sources: 2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files and 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 1: The number of incorporated places that has “Patriot” in its name: Patriot town, Ind., has an estimated population of 208. Source: 2015 Population Estimates 18: The number of counties that have “Union” in the name. Of the 18 counties, the three largest in population are: Union County, N.J. (555,630); Union County, N.C. (226,606); and Union County, Ohio (55,457). Source: 2016 Population Estimates, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016 $109.7 billion: The value of trade between the United States and the United Kingdom in 2016, making the British our adversary in 1776, the seventh-leading trading partner today. Source: International Trade Statistics 23,959,441: The number of people reporting English ancestry in the United States. People claiming English ancestry ranked third behind those claiming German (45,526,331) and Irish ancestry (32,713,324). Source: 2015 American Community Survey

Milestone Moment U.S. Population Reaches 325 Million May 7, 2017 6:13 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Source: U.S. and World Population Clock www.census.gov/popclock

CENSUS.GOV


B8 | SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DAILY HERALD

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