Generals join city, county leaders in flag retirement, title signing ceremony
Fillmore City residents, officials and members of the National Guard withstood cold and wet weather Monday morning to witness the city officially obtain ownership of the National Guard Armory.
The armory was traded to the city in exchange for 50 acres of property near the Fillmore airport for a future National Guard facility.
“This might seem like a small thing for a lot of folks, but to the guardsmen who have put in 35 to 40 years, this is a big thing,” said Bart Whatcott, member of the American Legion Post 63 in Fillmore. “It’s kind of bittersweet. But it’s good to see it signed over to somebody who will take care of it. It’s a good opportunity to see this auspicious occasion.”
Construction on the armory started in 1937 and finished in 1938.
“The town of Fillmore was so in need, and wanted a hardwood floor they could hold dances on,” Whatcott said. “Fillmore City got together and mustered up the money and put in, at that time, the largest hardwood floor in Millard County.”
The first dance was held on Memorial Day weekend in 1938.
At the time, the armory functioned as a training station for the military and recreation center for Fillmore residents.
“This was not just an armory,” Whatcott said. “This was a place in our community where people came to share stories. This place was where I came to see Santa Claus, where I came to get my hunter’s education. We had dances and weddings here. It’s been a focal point of the community.”
The armory was also a safe place for children to run amok and play, Whatcott said.
Maj. General Jefferson Burton and Brig. General Tyler Smith of the Utah National Guard were present to receive the retired flag that flew in front of the armory before being replaced by a fresh, crisp Old Glory.
“I would like [Burton] to know Fillmore City is community minded and we support and honor our military,” Mayor Michael Holt said. “I want all you kids present to know and remember the freedoms and rights you have today. I want you to look at these men and women, and thank them and honor them,” he said, motioning to uniformed members of the National Guard.
“I want them to know we love and honor each and every one of them,” Holt said.
“I wanted to express gratitude to the city of Fillmore,” said Burton, who serves as the Utah National Guard’s adjutant general. “There is no better city in Utah in regards of supporting the National Guard. I can go into this building from the 1930’s and eat off the floor,” Burton said about the upkeep of the building. “That gives you an idea of the dedication of the soldiers that came in and out of this armory.”
Multiple soldiers from Millard County had come and gone through the doors of the armory to go onto combat missions, Burton said.
“We have a deep gratitude for the city of Fillmore,” Burton said. “It’s kind of a sad day for us, but our hope is to be back here in the future. We want to express gratitude their city for their willingness to work with us, and find additional property for us to use and expand.”
Holt presented Burton a plaque commemorating the armory’s service, running from March 14, 1938 to April 29, 2019, marking a full 81 years the armory had been in commission.
Under city ownership, the armory will be leased to the county for potential office space and other usage, and rented to the citizenry for public events.
A full leasing agreement between the city and county is still being drafted and fulfilled.
