Honoring Those Who Have Served

On Veterans Day, we recognize the veterans among us—our current student veterans and military-affiliated students, our faculty and staff who have served, our alumni, and their families. Your service has protected not only our security, but also the conditions in which learning and community can flourish.

Years ago, I visited Arlington National Cemetery and stood at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I will never forget the quiet precision of the Guard’s watch—the measured steps, the turn, the salute, the unbroken vigil. In that silent ritual, I was struck by a simple truth: Even when we do not know a name, we honor a life.

The Unknown represents all who served and sacrificed—known and unknown, seen and unseen. That week, I also had the opportunity to witness the Army’s Twilight Tattoo, a powerful reminder of tradition and service. But it was the stillness at the Tomb that stayed with me. It taught me that gratitude is not a feeling alone; it is a practice—a deliberate act of remembrance. Gratitude becomes real when we pair it with action.

I invite you to join today’s campus observances in appreciation of our veterans and military-affiliated community:

• Morning Flag Raising (9:30–10:30 a.m.)
• Campus-wide Veterans Day BBQ on Chapel Lawn (11 a.m–1:30 p.m.)
• Crafternoon: Honoring Veterans (10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)
• United in Gratitude: A Veterans Day Mass (12:40–1:10 p.m.)
• Veterans Appreciation Night at the Men’s Basketball game (7 p.m.)

To every veteran in our community: Thank you for your courage, discipline, and example. To your families and loved ones: Thank you for the strength you lend. May we honor your service not only in words today, but in our daily actions as a community committed to respect and service.

With gratitude,

Roger J. Thompson, EdD
President