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ANTELOPE ISLAND — Twenty years ago, a group of 12 men were killed in a special operations Pave Hawk helicopter crash near Antelope Island. On Saturday afternoon, their families, fellow veterans and community members met to rededicate the memorial erected in their honor.

“There is really nothing we can do, as much as remember, that would do these men credit for what they gave and laid on the line. … We remember each of them personally, and we remember each of their families,” said Lt. Gov. Greg Bell, who spoke at the ceremony.

On Oct. 29, 1992, five Army Rangers and seven Air Force Special Operations airmen crashed off the northern tip of Antelope Island while on a training mission.

A 7-foot granite memorial on the island near the end of the causeway displays their names and photos as well as words commending their ultimate sacrifice.

Bell contrasted the beautiful weather during the memorial to the nighttime storm that the men encountered 20 years ago.

“We can’t forget the individuals, and this beautiful memorial does that. I love the pictures. I love the names. I love making that personal connection,” said Bell.

He also pointed out the dozens of motorcycle riders, many of whom are also veterans, who stood in formation holding U.S. flags throughout the ceremony.

Byron Bird, whose son SPC Jeremy B. Bird died in the crash, memorialized the life and service of his son.

“It isn’t just about my son; it’s about all of them. He’s just a point that you go to that brings all the other ones in. When I’m talking about my son, I’m actually talking about all (veterans),” Bird said.

Heidi Benson, who helped organize the memorial service, said that eight of the 12 families of the fallen gathered from across the nation to attend.

Benson is part of the Divine Sisterhood of Sparta, a group of six Ranger mothers who provide a network of support for families and parents of military members.

“We (helped organize the rededication) because we don’t understand everything those parents have gone through, but we have a glimpse,” Benson said.

Army Ranger veteran Danny Cox remembered being one of the last to see his friends as they boarded the helicopter at Hill Air Force Base. He mentioned his frustration with being stuck at the base after hearing about the crash and being unable to help his friends.

He spent the past two weeks on a 750-mile memorial bike ride from Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

“This is just remembering.No generation of veteran will ever be forgotten by another. … We can’t forget,” Cox said.

Lee Thompson, an Air Force retiree, said that the memorial was enhanced by his grandson’s Eagle Scout project. Thompson said that the Scout troop cleaned out rocks and beautified the memorial.

The monument grounds also were updated by the Friends of Antelope Island, which added concrete curbing, xeriscape landscaping and decorative rock.