A fallen Rock Springs veteran from World War I will finally be recognized with an Honor Guard ceremony on Memorial Day, nearly 100 years after his death.
The Honor Guard from American Legion Archie Hay Post 24 will honor Private John Yuthas, a WWI soldier who died in 1919.
Archie Hay Post 24 Adjutant Leonard Merrell said this is the first time an Honor Guard will be held for Private Yuthas.
Merrell said Private Yuthas enlisted at a young age and was soon sent to France for training. He was injured while there and returned to the U.S. for treatment. He subsequently died of his wounds and was returned to his family in Rock Springs.
Private Yuthas was buried in Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery with no grave marker, Merrell said.
It wasn’t until about two years ago that Angela Cable, a local researcher, was able to uncover the information and inform the American Legion about the never forgotten veteran.
Archie Hay Post worked to get Private Yuthas a headstone, and now they will recognize him with the Honor Guard the morning of Memorial Day.
A flag ceremony bringing the cemetery’s flag to half-staff will precede the Honor Guard. The flag ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. Merrell says the Honor Guard will take place at Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery at about 8:35 a.m. or 8:40 a.m.