LAYTON — A digital display recognizing local military members is returning to Layton for a second consecutive year as the area prepares to observe Veterans Day, the Standard-Examiner reported.
Layton Hills Mall is set to host its second annual Veterans Appreciation Day on Friday at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and aims to bring residents together to recognize military members from all branches of service.
Glady Larsen, the marketing and community engagement manager for Layton Hills Mall, told the Standard-Examiner that the gathering is a natural fit for the shopping center due to its close geographic connection to Hill Air Force Base. Larsen noted that members of the local military community are regular visitors to the mall and described them as part of the broader family in the area. She emphasized that hosting the event offers a key opportunity for the community to show gratitude to service members.
A central feature of Friday evening’s ceremony is the digital Veterans Honor Wall, an interactive display that first debuted at the mall last year. The digital wall presents the names of individuals who have served across all branches of the armed forces. Members of the public are invited to submit the names of family members, friends, or local veterans to be included on the screen.
Following the Friday ceremony, the digital tribute will remain on display inside the mall through Veterans Day next week. Reflecting on last year’s inaugural display, Larsen told the outlet that seeing the volume of community members included in the presentation was a deeply humbling experience. She observed that for many local residents, their military service marked the starting point of both their professional careers and personal journeys.
Larsen explained to the outlet that people navigate their post-military lives in different ways, with some making their service a core part of their identity and others utilizing the training and skills gained in the armed forces to transition into civilian careers. She noted that reviewing the submissions allowed organizers to see the courage and patriotism of local residents who gave their time and skills to support national freedom.
The mall is actively seeking additional names of local veterans to add to the digital screen before and during the event. Community members interested in submitting a name or learning more about the planned activities for Friday evening can find details online through the official Layton Hills Mall website.
