A new assignment often means much more than a new job for a military family. It means a new home, new schools, new neighbors and starting over in a place that may not feel like home just yet.
Gov. Spencer J. Cox has declared Sept. 26 through Oct. 4 as Blue Star Welcome Week in Utah, joining communities across the country in welcoming military families and helping them build connections where they live.
Here in Utah, we want our military families to know they belong.
That welcome can start with something simple. Introduce yourself to a new neighbor. Invite a family to a community event. Help someone learn their way around town. Small gestures can make a new duty station feel a little more like home.
To military families new to Utah: Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
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Whereas, Utah honors the service and sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces, supporting more than 16,000 active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members and their families;
Whereas, Utah’s military community is integral to the state, from Hill Air Force Base to Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, Camp Williams and Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base;
Whereas, Blue Star Families designates the week beginning the fourth Saturday in September through the following Sunday as Blue Star Welcome Week to support military and veteran families;
Whereas, thousands of military families relocate to Utah each year, navigating military moves, deployments and integration into new schools and neighborhoods;
Whereas, according to the Military Family Lifestyle Survey, only 39% of military families feel a strong sense of belonging to their local civilian community;
Whereas, a sense of belonging is essential for the well-being, resilience, and readiness of military families and strengthens local communities;
Whereas, building on a legacy of community and hospitality, Utahns are uniquely positioned to foster welcoming environments for military families; and
Whereas, residents, businesses, educators, faith-based organizations, and leaders across Utah’s 29 counties are encouraged to welcome military and veteran families into their communities;
Now, therefore, I, Spencer J. Cox, governor of the great state of Utah, do hereby declare September 26, 2026, through October 4, 2026, as
Blue Star Welcome Week in Utah
Use the button below to view the full declaration:
Declaration