The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs has announced several updates, including upcoming Veterans Day services and national recognition for two state veterans homes. These announcements include details on community programs and federal funding for cemetery expansion across the state.
Two Utah veterans homes have earned national recognition, ranking among the top 10 in the medium-sized category of 100-149 beds in Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2027. This recognition was reported by Laurie Wynn of the UDVMA regarding the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah facility.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration has awarded over $16.5 million in grants to the State of Utah to expand and establish veterans cemeteries. A single grant of up to $14,740,955 is designated to fund the establishment of these sites.
Veterans Day services for 2026 include free community events. A program was held at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home at 700 S. Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, on Friday, November 6, at 10:30 a.m. A Southern Utah Veterans Home program was also part of the scheduled services.
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) has previously engaged in various initiatives, such as declaring Blue Star Welcome Week and supporting military-connected students through the Purple Star Schools program. The department also works to document military women through the Military Women's Memorial Strive For 500 Campaign and partners with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
The UDVMA continues to provide resources and support to Utah veterans, service members, and their families through various state-level initiatives and community programs.
