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A memorial at Sunset Veterans Memorial Park to victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War is partially complete and should be done in a matter of weeks. The July 8, 2025, photo shows Larry Kerr, who’s pushed the initiative, with a model of the memorial at his home in Syracuse. (Photo: Tim Vandenack, KSL.com)
The memorial at Sunset Veterans Memorial Park to victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War is partially complete and should be done in a matter of weeks. It’s pictured Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (Tim Vandenack, KSL.com)
Episode 3353 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the new Agent Orange Memorial coming to Utah. The featured story is titled: Sunset memorial coming together to honor Vietnam War victims of Agent Orange. It appeared on the KSL-TV website and was submitted by Tim Vandenack.
Vandenack reported that plans are moving forward for a powerful Agent Orange Memorial at Sunset City Veterans Memorial Park, creating what could become one of the largest memorials of its kind in the United States. At the heart of the project is Vietnam Veteran Don Kerr, 78, a former U.S. Air Force veteran who continues to battle the effects of Agent Orange exposure from his service in Vietnam.
Kerr launched the memorial effort with the Utah Agent Orange Veterans Foundation to honor the thousands of American service members whose lives were forever changed by toxic exposure during the Vietnam War. Much of the memorial is already taking shape, including a large orange structure designed to hold black granite informational panels describing the history and devastating legacy of Agent Orange.
During Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military sprayed millions of gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971 to destroy vegetation and enemy crops. In the years following the war, many Vietnam Veterans began suffering from serious illnesses they believed were connected to their exposure. Their courage, perseverance and determination helped bring national attention to the long-term consequences of toxic military service.
This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to Vietnam Veterans, including those who suffered silently from what are often called the invisible wounds of war. It also recognizes veterans exposed to toxic substances during later conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan War.
Sunset Mayor Scott Wiggill praised Kerr and everyone involved, calling the project marvelous and expressing excitement about its future. The goal is to have the memorial completed in time for a possible Veterans Day dedication on November 11.
The Agent Orange Memorial will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, courage, patriotism and greatness of America’s Vietnam Veteran generation. Their service must never be forgotten, their stories must never be silenced, and their sacrifices must always be honored. Vietnam Veterans deserve our deepest respect, gratitude and remembrance.
Listen to episode 3353 and discover more about the new Agent Orange Memorial coming to Utah.
