Layton Hills Mall and various community organizations gathered on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, to honor area veterans during the mall's second annual Veterans Appreciation Day. The event featured a formal ceremony, the unveiling of a new Veterans Honor Wall, and the commencement of the Trees of Gratitude program.
During the ceremony, Layton City Councilmember Clint Morris addressed the crowd, noting that Davis County has a significant veteran population. He stated that nearly 15,000 veterans live in Davis County, with close to 5,000 residing in Layton City. Morris emphasized that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the nation must be defended and preserved by the all-volunteer military force.
Operation Hero founder Antoinette Stapley spoke at the event, stating that the community supports veterans regardless of when they served, including those from Vietnam, Desert Storm, World War II, and Afghanistan. Stapley noted the importance of sharing veterans' stories with younger generations. In partnership with Operation Hero, the mall launched the Trees of Gratitude program, where guests can write a hero's name on a tag and hang it on a decorated Christmas tree in Center Court. These trees will remain on display through Dec. 27.
U.S. Army veteran Kenny Conners delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the significance of the upcoming Veterans Day observance on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Conners discussed the complexities of transitioning to civilian life, noting that many veterans face challenges such as finding employment or managing injuries and PTSD. He also noted that military service involves significant sacrifice from families, including spouses and children.
The Veterans Honor Wall unveiled during the ceremony will remain on display at the Layton Hills Mall through Veterans Day.
The Veterans Day observance will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
