August 10 is observed annually as Agent Orange Awareness Day across the country, including in Utah, drawing attention to the lasting impacts of the toxic herbicide on Vietnam veterans. The date holds significance because, according to the Blinded Veterans Association, the U.S. began spraying Agent Orange in Vietnam on August 10, 1961.
Agent Orange, while intended to save American lives, proved severely harmful due to its content of dioxin, a toxic chemical. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that dioxin was an unwelcome byproduct of the chemical's manufacturing process. Exposure to Agent Orange and similar toxic herbicides has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Vietnam veterans from associated illnesses.
In Sunset Veterans Park, the Utah Agent Orange Veterans Foundation has been working to increase public awareness regarding the human cost of these chemicals used during the war in Southeast Asia. Since last November, the foundation has been actively engaged in constructing what is planned to be one of the largest Agent Orange memorials in the United States.
Various organizations are supporting the foundation's mission, including the Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project. In observance of Agent Orange Awareness Day, the Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project shared a message on its Facebook page, paying homage to victims of Agent Orange exposure and highlighting that its effects continue today.
The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project also lent its support earlier this year. On February 12, members attended a ceremony at the Capitol in Salt Lake City, which honored Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and similar toxic herbicides. This event was facilitated by Hannah Turk, a board member of the Utah Agent Orange Veterans Foundation and a co-founder and vice president of the Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project.
During the Capitol ceremony, all Utah veterans exposed to Agent Orange were recognized with an official citation. This citation was read aloud by Rep. Tyler Clancy on the floor of the House of Representatives. The presence of members from the Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project at the event aimed to evoke a nostalgic glimpse of an earlier era, symbolizing the millions of American women who contributed to the U.S. victory in WWII.
Efforts to raise awareness extend beyond a single day. October has been designated as Agent Orange Awareness Month, established because a one-day observance was deemed insufficient to adequately increase awareness of the toxic chemical. The month includes events that recognize veterans harmed by exposure to Agent Orange and similar toxic herbicides.
Additionally, October is seen as an appropriate time for Utah lawmakers to consider officially recognizing the Orange Heart Medal. This medal is not yet an official federal award but serves as a meaningful tribute for veterans who sustained internal injuries from Agent Orange exposure. Utah would join more than a dozen other states whose legislators have already officially recognized this honor.