‘Their country promised to support them’: Protestors gather at Utah Capitol in support of veterans
Mar 14, 2025, 3:05 PM | Updated: 3:47 pm
Veterans gathered at Utah's Capitol building on March 14, 2025 in protest against Project 2025 and multiple moves by the Trump Administration to cut crisis line workers, slash cancer research and "abandon" veterans with burn pit exposure. (Stuart Johnson/KSL TV)
(Stuart Johnson/KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY – Veterans and their families gathered at Utah’s Capitol Friday as part of a nationwide protest against recent cuts to Veteran Affairs hospitals and programs under the Trump administration.
The rally was a powerful display of unity and frustration as approximately 200 protestors raised their voices in opposition to cuts they said harm veterans in need of support.
Among the crowd was Pattie Breault, who went in honor of her father and uncle – both veterans – urging that those who’ve served deserve far more than they’re getting.
“Their country promised to support them, and now they’re backing out on that. That’s not okay,” Breault said. “Our word should mean something, and if we can’t keep our promises, then what do we stand for?”
Andrew Nichols, a former Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, also made his way to the protest to speak up for the VA Salt Lake City. He said the message is simple: Veterans deserve to be treated with respect.
“I’m here to remind our leaders in Washington that veterans have served this country for over 200 years,” Nichols said. “We just want them to honor the commitment they made to us.”
The event was a space for all voices to be heard, as protestors passed the microphone around to share stories and demand action.
One such speaker cited the VA cuts would directly impact veterans dealing with mental health struggles following their service. The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report found suicide was the second-leading cause of death in veterans under 45-years-old, a statistic that was met with boos from the crowd. The report also estimated an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day.
“We took an oath to defend The Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. Who would have ever thought our enemies today would be domestic?” one speaker asked from the south steps. “We find ourselves fighting again to keep our benefits, to keep our healthcare.”
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.
Additional resources
- SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
- SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
- SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
- Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
- LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
