The West Valley City Council paid tribute to West Valley City employee Pascual Ramirez at its Jan. 23 meeting. He was one of 40 Utahns honored at the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Congressional Recognition Ceremony at the state capitol in November. It was hosted by Rep. Burgess Owens.

Ramirez was nominated for the award by Mayor Karen Lang. She wrote that he served for 15 years in the U.S. Navy before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served for another 12 years.

“Mr. Ramirez is an accomplished bugler, an instrument best-known for the beloved and haunting call of ‘Taps,’” the mayor wrote. “Because the number of bugle players is declining, Pascual volunteers his time at military funerals and events over 20 times each year. Dressed impeccably in Air Force dress blues, he embodies the discipline and pride of a U.S. soldier.”

Ramirez works for the city parks department at a local golf course. He has performed at the Memorial Day ceremony and the Veterans Day dinner and program, and has led the WestFest parade the past two years, carrying the Stars and Stripes. He also is a member of the Salt Lake Letter Carriers Band.

Lang further wrote that “Pascual has demonstrated his patriotism and commitment to the United States of America by serving in two branches of the armed forces for 27 years. Gov. Gary Herbert presented him with the Hometown Hero Award in 2010 following his last deployment from the Middle East. In addition to the hours dedicated each month to honoring veterans at their funerals, Pascual contributes to the community by volunteering with the Freedom Academy at Camp Williams for high school seniors. He participates as part of the color guard at Salt Lake Bees and Utah Jazz games, provides free maintenance in his neighborhood and helps harvest crops at a nearby orchard.”

Lang said city leaders “are proud to support our military and to work alongside staff members like Ret. Sgt. Pascual Ramirez.” λ