The University community is invited to two special veterans’ events in November: the virtual Veterans Day ceremony and the presentation of The American Legion’s Patriot Award to Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie and the University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).
Members of the ϲ community raise flags in front of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello building in a small ceremony in August.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the ϲ community and members of the greater ϲ area will gather to honor the service of all U.S. military veterans during the University’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. This year’s event, beginning at 11 a.m. ET, will be the held at the University. Traditionally held in Hendricks Chapel, this year’s ceremony will take place virtually to accommodate limitations on in-person gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will include remarks from Chancellor Kent Syverud and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. Dino Babers, head football coach of ϲ Football, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker and share his experience as the son of a U.S. Navy veteran.
Laura Buys, ϲ’s 2020 Tillman Scholar, will emcee the event. Kari MicKinkle, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and school certifying official in the , will share about the history of Veterans Day, and senior Charlie Poag, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and president of the ϲ , will share insight on the University’s proud tradition of serving veterans, as well as reflections of his experience on campus. The event will also feature a performance from the ϲ Singers and service anthems played by the 198th Army Band.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. ET, . The award is given to recognize great deeds and exemplary acts of service. The event will be broadcast live from the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.
The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.
Following the presentation of the award, Past National Commander Fang Wong of the American Legion and Haynie will discuss topics that include higher education for veterans, training for transitioning veterans and the challenges associated with being newly disenfranchised from service.
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