This year, the Â鶹ÊÓƵ will begin its annual celebration of Veterans Day a week prior to the federal observance on Nov. 11. A series of events will take place around campus, giving veterans and nonveterans alike opportunities to honor our nation’s traditions, pay tribute to those who have served and connect with essential resources.
“I know when I got out of the Marines, I felt like I didn’t fit in, or I was kind of on the outside of most groups,” said John Pratt, interim director of Veteran Services. “It wasn’t until I connected with another veteran that I realized it wasn’t just me, that a lot of veterans felt the same way.”
On Nov. 5, Veteran Services will host a Veteran Support Social at the University Veterans and Military Center (VMC) from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Connect with the campus veteran community and supporters while enjoying great food and conversation. Attendees can also expect to learn about resources available to help veterans succeed on campus.
Stop by the Veteran Services Table in the KC Breezeway on Friday, Nov. 6 to learn about veteran resources and connect with fellow students and staff. The team will be there from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to answer questions and meet members of the campus community.
Nov. 9 is Military Family Member Day. Show your support for the sacrifices of military families by wearing purple – the combination of all the official military branch colors and a symbol of unity for military families and children. As part of the celebration, all are welcome to join Veteran Services for a pizza and ice cream social in the VMC from 12 – 3 p.m.
On Nov. 10, there will be a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the JCSU Plaza to retire American flags no longer fit for service. This event will take place on the JCSU lawn, in front of 1,000 flags planted there on Nov. 4 by student veterans, faculty and members of the Wolf Pack Vets club.
The flag retirement ceremony is led by student veterans and will honor our nation’s flag as well as the history and traditions it represents. All are invited to attend the ceremony and the lunch following it; ASUN will sponsor a lunch in the Graduate Student Lounge from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
You don’t have to be a veteran to attend these events; all are welcome, and simply showing up can be a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices made by all who choose to serve and their families.
“For nonveterans, it is an opportunity to learn more about the military connected community and show your support,” Pratt said. “You don’t have to thank us for our service; it means a lot that you are curious and genuinely want to learn or understand. By showing up, it means a lot.”
Campus will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of the holiday.
Learn more about Veteran Services.
