Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America is proud to announce on July 9th, 2022 at 8:00 PM – A tribute to the Bob Hope USO Shows in Vietnam. This fundraiser will have all proceeds go to the new Freedom’s Memorial Plaza at Layton Commons Park.

March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Utah’s Vietnam Veterans of America will host a ceremony on March 29th at Utah’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica in Layton Commons Park at 2 p.m. This day of National Observance is to honor not only those 58,000 young men and women killed in the Vietnam War but to honor the hundreds of thousands who served in Vietnam and those who served at duty stations around the world to support our American troops in Southeast Asia. The public is invited. Please come out and honor all Vietnam Veterans.

For information contact Dennis Howland at 801-389-1893 or Ken BIssenden at 801-721-8447. This is the 40th Anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., and National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The Bob Hope USO Show Tribute was brought to Layton, Utah Amphitheater on two occasions including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica dedication on 18 July 2018.  The shows drawing several hundred in the audience helped raise funds to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica in Layton Commons Park.  The show is much like the Bob Hope Shows that went to Vietnam for eight different years.  It is one to bring back memories and closure to many of our Vietnam Veterans.

Group Shot – left to right – Phyllis Diller impersonator Holly Farris, Vietnam Veteran and Wall Project Chair/Marine Vietnam Veteran Dennis Howland, “Bob Hope” impersonator Bill Johnson, Singer and former Dean Martin Gold Diggers member Michelle DellaFave, Singer Kim Walters, and Utah singer Paul Cave.  A lot of applause and tears on a night of remembering. 

Utah State Council and Chapter 1079 Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) are actively involved in the presentation of the VVA National JROTC Medal to cadets state-wide.  Chapter 1079 veterans visit with a dozen schools across Utah presenting the award to the high school top cadets. The state’s top cadet is then nominated for a national award of $5,000, $2500, and $1500.  For information contact Ken Bissenden at 801-721-8447.

Utah VVA is one of the front runners and lobbyists for legislation relating to veterans of past and current.  The VVA team was led by State Council President VVA Dennis Howland in achieving March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Utah and several other pieces of legislation benefiting veterans.  The VVA and AVVA Team works hard for ALL veterans.  For information contact Dennis Howland at 801-389-1893.

Utah’s Vietnam Veterans of America members participate in annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at the Wall and placing wreaths and flags on veterans’ graves in several cemeteries.

Among the many activities throughout the year are tours of the Wall for all age groups, ceremonies with the Salt Lake City Vietnamese Community, and at the State Capitol Veterans Memorial. Utah VVA has also been instrumental in raising funds and dedicating a bronze Battle Cross, Memorial Plaque dedicated to all those men and women who have lost their lives since coming home due to their service in Vietnam. Those who have lost the battle of diseases related to their service and those who have taken their own lives. Info – 801-389-1893

Utah VVA attends the annual Missing In America program directed by Roger Graves. Many urns of deceased veterans across America remain on mortuary shelves unclaimed by family members for whatever reason. Missing In America, each year gathers them up and in ceremony interns them at Camp Williams Utah Veterans Cemetery.

Utah VVA creates and hosts the Veterans Parade each year in Northern Utah. Dennis Howland brought the parade back after a 50-year absence – 16 years ago. Since then it has been held in Ogden and now Layton City, Utah is the current home of the parade to honor all veterans of all peacetime and war. Info – 801-389-1893.

From ground-breaking in November 2017 to dedication 18 July 2018 the development, fundraising, and building of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica has been a focus of the hard work of Utah Vietnam Veterans of America.  In partnership with Layton City, the Wall was built to be the largest replica West of the Mississippi River at 83%.   Vietnam Veterans of America are appreciative of its membership, the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Layton City Government, Layton City Parks, and Recreation and staff.  Without this type of partnership, this major project could not have become reality.  For information contact Dennis Howland Wall Chair 801-389-1893.

The Vietnam Combat War Dog Memorial is just to the West of the Vietnam Memorial Wall Replica in Layton Commons Park.  Honoring the more than 4,000 War Dogs left in Vietnam when the war ended, this memorial is intended to honor all War Dogs that have served and serve today. The model for the memorial was Mazzie a friend and family member of all veterans.  Having served in Kuwait for 5 years Mazzie earned the hearts and love of all Vietnam Veterans. Spearheading this monument were Jim and Linda Crismer of Fruit Heights.

In its 16th year Wreaths Across America Statehouse Ceremony places ceremonial wreaths at the State Capitol Rotunda, now at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica, and assists in placing wreaths on dozens of veterans’ graves. Each December the program is held to honor and remember our fallen, those serving, and the families that support their veterans. It also honors those families who have an empty chair at the holiday table each. Utah Vietnam Veterans are always on hand to assist with this remembrance program.