The entire campus community is invited to thank and honor its veterans at the Daemen University Veterans Day of Recognition event, set to take place at 11:30 a.m. on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11.
Weather permitting, a ceremony will be held at Founder’s Bell, with Rosary Hall as the alternative indoor location.
The ceremony will begin with a special rendition of the U.S. national anthem sung by Daemen alum Annie Brady ’12.
Executive Vice President and Provost Michael Brogan will serve as the keynote speaker at the event, and Director of Veteran Services Mark Martinez will also share words to recognize Daemen’s veterans community and their service.
“As a minority community, veterans can often go unnoticed,” said Martinez. “By holding the Daemen University Veterans Day of Recognition, we are setting an example to others that it is important to honor our veterans and show them our appreciation.”
During the ceremony, Martinez said he will emphasize that the best way Daemen community members can thank veterans is to exercise their voting rights.
“Our veterans have fought for our right to vote,” said Martinez. “Let us thank them by advocating through our state senators to make benefits for veterans easily accessible.”
Following the event, veterans are invited to visit the Career Services suite on the first floor of the Wick Campus Center from 12:30-2 p.m. for complimentary gift bags.
Free boxed lunches and cupcakes will also be provided for veterans in the campus’ veterans lounge at the Nancy Haberman Gacioch Center for Veterans, located in the Duns Scotus building, room 131.
“The veterans lounge is a unique place for veterans to socialize as like-minded individuals who have had similar experiences,” said Martinez. “It’s also a space where they can relax from the pressures that come with being a university student. We wanted to provide them the opportunity to come and enjoy a meal together there on Veterans Day.”
For more information on local support services for veterans, visit Daemen’s veteran and military resources webpage.