On Saturday, Feb. 6, Utahns opened their newspapers to headlines that reported on yet another U.S. soldier's death with Utah ties. An army helicopter had crashed in Germany, a wife was left a widow and a young family fatherless.
This decorated soldier stands in a long line of thousands of valiant servicemen and women from our state who have given "their last full measure" in behalf of our great country.
Utahns serving in all branches of the military put themselves in harms way for us each day, whether serving in Iraq or Afghanistan combat zones or anywhere else in the world, even during what are supposed to be routine training missions. Nothing is routine about any type of military service and each one who dies is a patriot.
The public may be interested to know a little bit about the procedure when a member of the armed services dies in the line of duty and desires a final disposition in Utah.
First of all, a military liaison is assigned and makes contact with the family to make arrangements. The military affords each serviceman and woman full military honors and works closely with the family to ensure that military procedures and protocol are strictly followed.
Utahns killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere in the Middle East and Europe, are handled by the U.S. Military Port Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Perhaps the next decision is which Utah mortuary or funeral home to engage. The Utah Funeral Directors Association consists of 88 member funeral homes and 235 licensed funeral directors throughout the state.
As licensed funeral directors, we take great pride in our profession in handling these tragic circumstances for the family with professionalism and sensitivity. We are trained in all matters of final disposition including the many details incurred with an overseas death and bringing the body home.
A current bill in the legislature, House Bill 208, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer M. Seelig, D -- Salt Lake, amends certain aspects of the Utah Funeral Licensing Act dealing with the disposition of deceased military persons.
Specifically, the bill provides that a person designated by an active military service member on the proper form, is the first priority person in determining the disposition of the remains of the military service member upon the service member's death. This need not be a family member.
Service members have an opportunity to update the form each year but may make changes at any time of their choosing.
The bill is encouraged by the Department of Defense and is making its way through all 50 states. It is supported by the Utah Office of Veteran Affairs.
The Utah Funeral Directors Association is in wholehearted support of this bill and urges its passage. The bill is moving through the Legislature and we hope it is eventually signed into law by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.
All of us have lost loved ones, which is never easy. Deaths of our military service personnel are especially tragic because the circumstances are usually violent and calmness and decorum are necessary to maintain dignity and order.
This bill will provide an added measure of order to the process and Utah's licensed funeral directors support its passage.
We appreciate the wonderful service our elected state legislators and governor are giving to us as citizens at this crucial time in our state and applaud their outstanding efforts.
Scott Russon is president of the Utah Funeral Directors Association.
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