Our country’s active duty military members and veterans dedicate their lives to service and sacrifice so much to protect our rights and way of life, which is why we honor them on Veterans Day every year. If you have any family members, friends, or neighbors who serve in the Armed Forces or are retired veterans, there is no better time to show them your gratitude for their service. 

Although there are plenty of other opportunities year-round to show gratitude to veterans, many events in Salt Lake County on November 11th will celebrate its local community of veterans. Whether you are looking for a fun family outing or an opportunity to give back to veterans, there is something for you. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of events taking place this Veterans Day and other opportunities to honor those who have dedicated their lives to service.

#1 Visit Fort Douglas Military Museum

A fun way to spend the holiday together as a family—or with friends—is a visit to the Fort Douglas Military Museum. The Museum is only a short walk away from the University Guest House and originally served as a barracks in the 19th century for the U.S. military. 

The exhibit includes artifacts from the history of Utah and adjacent states, as well as an outdoor section where you can see cannons and military vehicles from across different eras of U.S. military history. If you are a history lover and want to experience and learn about Salt Lake County’s past, consider a day trip out to Fort Douglas on Veterans Day. 

[Fort Douglas Military Museum]

#2 Veterans Day At Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City

Veterans can receive tickets to any Hansen Dome or Northrop Grumman IMAX show for free on this Veterans Day, as a thank-you for their services. The tickets cost $5 for all the other guests. You will not want to miss out on this opportunity, so if you or anyone in your family and among your friends are eligible for free tickets, consider heading out to Clark Planetarium on Veterans Day for a fun time out.

Veterans Day At Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City

#3 2022 Veterans Day 1M, 5K, 10K

For runners, Salt Lake County’s annual 1M, 5K, and 10K races are returning this year for everyone to join. Registration for the event costs $18, but sign up early, and you can get the price reduced to $16. Whether young or old, this is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community and show gratitude for veterans and active duty military members. 

If you cannot join their race locations, you can sign up for a virtual race. This will allow you to run or walk from any location of your choosing — at home on a treadmill, on the sidewalks in your neighborhood, or at your gym. 

Furthermore, 15 percent of all registration fees will go to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, which assists veterans with physical and psychological rehabilitation.

2022 Veterans Day 1M, 5K, 10K

#4 Head To Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park

Veterans Day is an opportunity to remember our loved ones and friends who have given their lives for our country. You can commemorate their sacrifices and service by visiting the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park to honor them and show gratitude for all that they have done. The cemetery and park are free to enter and pay your respects to the fallen. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., if you need to make any inquiries. 

#5 Riverton Veteran’s Day Program 2022

Join the community at Riverton City’s annual Veterans Day Concert to honor and remember everyone that has served in our nation’s military. A free concert featuring Riverton Jazz Band and vocalist Valaura Arnold, this event will also feature a flag ceremony by the American Legion – Post 140. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 11th at the Lloyd Community Center on 12830 S Redwood Road.

Riverton Veteran’s Day Program 2022

#6 Utah Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Utah Vietnam Veterans Memorial was established in 1989 to honor and remember soldiers and veterans from Utah who fought and served during the Vietnam War. The names of 388 men and women who died or went missing in action are inscribed here, with the bronze soldier sculpted by Clyde “Ross” Morgan made in their honor. If any of your family or friends served during the Vietnam War, visiting this memorial is one way to honor and remember their sacrifices during this bloody conflict in our recent history.

Utah Vietnam Veterans Memorial

#7 Buy from Veteran-Owned Businesses

Another way of honoring your local veterans on Veterans Day and year-round is by shopping at a veteran-owned business. One such business is Dogs R Us, where you can have award-winning grooming, boarding, and daycare. They offer training and have a retail store with everything you might need to care for your favorite pets. 

Alternatively, if you love outdoor experiences, the Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offer guided raft tours of America’s best rivers. There are many veteran-owned businesses in Salt Lake County, and buying from them is a fantastic way to support them and help them thrive. 

#8 Volunteer at Utah Veterans Affairs

Last but not least, the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs helps veterans and active duty military members in several different capacities, including hospitalization, education, vocational training, and much more, as compensation and thanks for their service. 

Founded in 1919 and originally called the Board of Soldier Settlement, their vision is to help military members, veterans, and their families succeed. If you are looking for a year-round opportunity to support your local veteran community, consider volunteering at the Utah Veterans Affairs for a few days to show gratitude.

Volunteer at Utah Veterans Affairs

Salt Lake County is hosting several events to honor local veterans, but there are also many more opportunities year-round to show gratitude. Consider joining in on any of these events, volunteering at organizations that support veterans, or shopping at veteran-owned businesses this Veterans Day to give back for their service and sacrifices.