A group of volunteers in Nephi, Utah, came together to clean and honor community monuments in preparation for Memorial Day. On a spring morning before the holiday, a small team dedicated their Saturday to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jeremy Hernandez, one of the volunteers, emphasized the importance of honoring these heroes and ensuring they are not forgotten. The volunteers brought supplies like sponges, paint, and scrubbers to clean and refurbish the memorials of those who served our country.
Terina Mickey, who organized the project, expressed hope that the community would take pride in the freshly cleaned monuments and that veterans would receive the respect they deserve.
Mickey’s journey with the project began when she noticed the neglected state of the veterans memorial last year. Inspired by her boyfriend’s connection to the memorial, she took it upon herself to restore the names on the monuments and benches. What started as a small initiative grew with the support of the local Lions Club and her friends.
Tragically, Mickey’s boyfriend passed away during the project’s progression. Despite facing personal challenges, she founded a nonprofit called One Day at a Time Services, providing support to individuals dealing with addiction and the court system.
One of the beneficiaries, Crysti Vincent, shared how Mickey’s organization played a vital role in her recovery journey. As a former Air Force veteran, Mickey considers this project as the most fulfilling mission of her life.
With the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donations, the monuments were restored to their former glory. Mickey’s commitment to the cause remains unwavering, inspired by the community’s support and the impact of her work.
This article was originally published by Scott McKane for Scripps News Salt Lake City.
