The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (UDVMA), in partnership with the Governor’s Office, is launching an outreach campaign to encourage Utahns to celebrate and honor veterans in their communities. #HonorUtahVeterans encourages Utahns to strengthen bonds with Utah’s veteran community ahead of Veterans Day.

“This year’s Veterans Day will be unlike any other in recent memory. To protect our veterans, especially our older and vulnerable, we cannot gather for traditional Veterans Day observations like parades and ceremonies,” said Gov. Gary R. Herbert. “However, while we cannot come together, I urge all Utahns to take steps to honor and thank veterans for their service.”

As part of the initiative, Gov. Herbert released a PSA sharing ways Utahns can honor veterans on Nov. 11.

As part of the #HonorUtahVeterans campaign, Utahns are encouraged to take action in showing their gratitude for those who have served. Utahns are invited to commemorate Veterans Day in the following ways:

• 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 to 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.

“This has been a challenging time for all of us, but especially for veterans,” said Gary Harter, executive director of UDVMA. “Public health steps like social distancing are necessary to help control the spread of COVID-19, but at the same time the pandemic has exacerbated feelings of isolation for many veterans of all ages. Utahns can help make a difference by reaching out to veterans in their local communities.”

Utah is home to nearly 140,000 veterans and thousands more guardsmen, reservists and active duty personnel call our great state home. To learn more, visit the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs website at veterans.utah.gov.