State leaders urge Utahns to honor Veterans Day in different ways this year
Nov 11, 2020, 8:01 AM
FILE: An American flag flies at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park in Bluffdale on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020. Ivy Ceballo, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — In-person programs and events won’t be happening for Veterans Day across Utah, but it should not go unnoticed.
There are still ways to commemorate the day and celebrate Utahns who have served our country.
Other ways to celebrate Veterans Day in Utah
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs suggests the following ways to honor veterans and military members:
- Fly an American flag on Veterans Day.
- Reach out and thank veterans in the community—whether that is by phone, letter or video call—for their selfless service.
- If Utahns don’t know a Veteran, they are invited to participate in UDVMA’s HappinessForHeroes initiative, and write a letter or send a message to residents at Utah’s four Veterans Homes. Alternatively, Utahns can reach out the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System to send a message to a VA patient.
- Share messages of support and gratitude for veterans on social media by using the hashtag #HonorUtahVeterans.
- Watch the Utah National Guard’s 65th Annual Veterans Day Concert Nov. 11, 2020 at 9 a.m. online at https://facebook.com/utahnationalguard or ut.ng.mil. It will be available afterward as well.
“Residents across our great state can reach out to their family members, their community members,” said Gary Harter, UDVMA executive director.
He said many older veterans are experiencing isolation during the pandemic. Sending a letter or message can help them.
Harter says imagine your whole street with American flags flying on homes.
“Every street can be a parade and people can look out and see the flag and know that their service lets us fly our flag,” he said.
“I urge all Utahns to take steps to honor and thank veterans for their service,” said Utah Governor Gary Herbert in a video message. He served in the Utah National Guard himself.
.@GovHerbert shares way you can #HonorUtahVeterans this week.
Learn more at https://t.co/qpn6butSU2 #UtahVeterans #UTPOL @UtahGov pic.twitter.com/UR6mxKthTi
— Utah Veteran & Military Affairs (@Utah_DVMA) November 9, 2020
