This week has been declared "Operation Family Front Week" by Gov. Norm Bangerter to honor the spouses and children of Utah's participants in Operation Desert Storm.
Besides recognizing the service of the state's soliders, the governor is asking Utahns to "recognize the contribution of these families to the victory in which we have all taken pride in the Persian Gulf."Operation Family Front is a local support group for military families. The group has scheduled a "Support the Troops Rally" on Saturday, from noon until 5 p.m., on the steps of the state Capitol.
Dozens of Utah organizations and businesses are planning a "Family Day" at the end of the month to help the military families settle back into a normal lifestyle once their loved ones return home.
Representatives from the United Way of the Great Salt Lake Area and other organizations will be available at the Salt Palace on March 30 from noon until 5 p.m. to tell families about what types of assistance are available.
There will also be games and activities for children as well as free food, gifts and prizes donated by some of the more than 40 Utah companies participating in the event.
"The idea of a `Family Day' came from the Questar Volunteer Team and was quickly embraced by other businesses and organizations who want not only to honor our miliary personnel but to assist their families during this stressful period," Jan Bates, community affairs coordiator for Questar, said.
Military families who want information about Family Day should call Cindy Fortie, director of Operation Family Front, at 966-4187.
Businesses interested in the event should call Questar at 534-5435. Non-profit and service agencies interested in participating should call the United Way at 328-0211.