Proud and glad to be from Am.F.

Since its founding, American Fork has been a community of progress because our citizens work together for the common good. Our city has seen many changes over the years, and those changes continue today.

Beginning in 1865, our community has had an annual celebration of friendship and thanksgiving. It was known as Timber Day until 1913. Then came Liberty Day, and then for many years beginning in 1927 it was known as Poultry Days, honoring our poultry farmers.

Then 60 years ago, as the poultry industry waned, in 1945 our city celebration became Steel Days, honoring those thousands of men and women then working in Utah Valley's steel industry.

Their labors supported America's war efforts through World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq war. They provided steel for America's industries and a living for their families. And they strengthened our community.

But today our local steel industry is no more. This week we watched as Geneva Steel's towering smokestacks were demolished, never to work again. With them steel becomes a memory. Times do change.

To those countless men and women of our community whose lives have been part of our important steel industry, we say thank you. You have helped make America, and you have helped make American Fork.

This week will be the final Steel Days celebration. To all those thousands of fellow citizens who over the past 60 years have volunteered their time and money to bring about this annual celebration, we thank you.

Now the American Fork City Celebration Committee, recognizing a new day in our city as the steel plant fades into history, and after much consideration, has chosen a new name for our city celebration - - American Days!

What an honor to live in a city that bears that sacred name. According to the U.S. Census Report, there are only four communities in the entire nation whose name is "American." We are not merely one of those four; we are the largest. A place of honor and a place of citizen responsibility.

Since the founding of our fair city, our husbands and sons, and now daughters, have willingly gone off in defense of freedom and liberty. In distant lands many have given the ultimate sacrifice, and we honor their memory and their sacrifice for us.

This year's parade grand marshal is Ned Veater, a true American patriot. We join in honoring Ned for his service to our country and for his tireless efforts to honor American Fork veterans.

In the Gulf War, American Fork's National Guard unit was one of the earliest to deploy to combat. What a fitting honor was paid to them upon return home a decade ago, when the entire unit was named as the city parade's grand marshal.

Today men and women from American Fork continue to serve in harm's way in distant lands, protecting us from those who threaten our freedom. Several this very day find themselves in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere. They honor each of us by their valiant service.

To all our service men and women, we salute you and thank you for your bravery, your dedication and your love of our country. You are what puts the wave in our flag. God bless each of you.

In this city we are honored to be Americans. It is a title we do not take casually. We understand and respect what it means to pledge allegiance to the United States of America.

Let us celebrate our heritage as we look forward to the future. Let us embrace American Days with renewed enthusiasm. Let each of us rise up as patriots, and let our community be known as the Most American City in America.

Kelly M. Sobotka is chairman of the American Fork City Celebration.

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