East Tennessee State University will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members for its annual Veterans Day Celebration and Meal on Thursday, Nov. 12. The event will recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans through a complimentary meal and a formal ceremony at the ETSU Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m.
“Veterans and currently serving military personnel can enjoy a steak lunch in a designated seating area scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If veterans are unable to dine at that time, they may use their free meal voucher from 2 to 7 p.m. from the regular dining menu and available seating,” said Dan Bishop, director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services.
The event is open to everyone and provides an opportunity for the ETSU community to come together and celebrate the values of service, sacrifice, leadership and citizenship that veterans embody.
“Students and attendees can gain an appreciation of our service men and women in the work that they do not only in our country but abroad as well. In addition, they can learn personal stories and perspectives, a sense of patriotism and national pride,” said Keith Johnson, vice president for student success. “This also includes understanding that honoring veterans extends beyond attending an annual celebration. It includes respecting their experiences, supporting their needs, and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.”
Tickets can be picked up from Kim Maturo in the Jordan Center, the Military and Veteran Services Office in Lucille Clement Hall, Veterans Upward Bound in Roger Stout Hall and Hannah Powell with ETSU ROTC in Memorial Hall.
“This event reinforces ETSU’s responsibility as a public university to recognize the contributions of veterans, support military-connected students and families, and educate the campus community about the significance of military service,” Johnson said.
ETSU has a long history of supporting veterans, with the Office of Military and Veteran Services providing resources to help military-connected students navigate college life.
“ETSU is proud to be recognized as a veteran-friendly institution. Through the Office of Military and Veteran Services, we assist students with military and VA education benefits, provide academic and transition support, connect students to campus and community resources, and advocate for their success throughout their educational journey,” Bishop said.
The event is made possible through a collaborative effort involving numerous campus departments, including the Jordan Center, Military and Veteran Services and Army ROTC. Planning begins months in advance to make sure it is a meaningful experience that appropriately honors veterans and the broader community.
An important part of the event is creating opportunities for veterans of different generations to connect with students and share their stories of service and leadership.
“I hope attendees leave with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. I also hope they gain a better understanding of the veteran community at ETSU and recognize that veterans continue serving in meaningful ways long after they leave military service,” Bishop said.
