Veterans memorial in Midway to be updated annually under new rules

MIDWAY, Utah — The Wasatch County Council has approved a formal policy establishing a Memorial Hill Committee and outlining clear eligibility criteria and application deadlines for adding names to the county’s historic veterans memorial.

Since 1927, Memorial Hill in Midway has honored more than 2,400 Wasatch County residents who served in United States military conflicts from the War of 1812 to the present. The site, located near River Road and Memorial Hill Drive, features a winding dirt road leading to a panoramic view of Heber Valley, with flags representing each military branch, the American flag, and the Utah state flag flying above.

The new policy calls for annual updates to the memorial and sets January 31 as the deadline to apply for a name to be added each year. For 2025, however, that deadline has been extended to March 31.

Council members approved the creation of a Memorial Hill Restoration Committee to oversee the process. Names of eligible veterans will be reviewed each January, and those approved by a majority of the committee will be added before Memorial Day. According to the county, all decisions are final.

Applications must be submitted to the Wasatch County Public Works Department, either in person at 1891 W. 3000 South in Heber City or by email to publicworks@wasatch.utah.gov. No fee is required.

To qualify, veterans must meet at least one of the following residency requirements:

• Lived in Wasatch County at the time of enlistment or deployment,
• Lived in Wasatch County for at least 10 years after their service, or
• Received a Purple Heart and lived in the county for any period of time.

Applicants are required to submit proof of the veteran’s county residency and a copy of their DD214 form.

The memorial is accessible by vehicle seasonally from May to November, depending on weather, and open to pedestrians year-round. ATVs, horses, and snowmobiles are prohibited. Visitors can view etched plaques bearing the names of service members and a Fallen Soldier Battle Cross sculpture near a bench overlooking the valley.

The policy aims to preserve the memorial’s integrity while ensuring deserving veterans continue to be honored.