Military veterans to be focus of events this week
Five Mississippi State programs this week will honor the service and sacrifice of former and current members of the U.S. military.
Saturday [Nov. 11] is national Veterans Day and the university’s related activities begin on Tuesday [Nov. 7].
The campus-based G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans is coordinating the programs.
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed beyond anything the average American can even imagine to ensure the freedoms and liberties we enjoy every day,” said Brian S. Locke, interim center director. “As Americans, we should honor these sacrifices and remember the true cost of freedom.”
The 2017 schedule includes:
* Tuesday [Nov. 7], 10 a.m., at the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex: A Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home Ceremony will thank those who served during the nearly 20-year Southeast Asian military involvement.
* Wednesday [Nov. 8], 6 p.m., at Fowlkes Auditorium in the Colvard Student Union: A screening of “The Hornet’s Nest,” a 2014 groundbreaking and immersive documentary following journalists Mike and Carlos Boettcher as they accompany elite U.S. troops, portrays nine harrowing days of combat in Afghanistan.
* Thursday [Nov. 9], 6:30 p.m., at Nusz Hall: The Third Annual Veteran’s 5K Run will take place, with advance registration available at https://racesonline.com/events/mississippi-state-veterans-day-5k/registration/2017/credit/view/default.
* Friday [Nov. 10], 10 a.m., on the Drill Field: MSU’s formal Veterans Recognition Ceremony is open to all and honors the brave men and women of America’s armed forces.
* Saturday [Nov. 11], Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium: The annual Military Appreciation Ceremony takes place during the Southeastern Conference football game with the University of Alabama. Game time is to be announced.
Established 139 years ago with an academic curriculum and student regimen mirroring the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, MSU today is ranked among the nation’s most veteran-friendly institutions of higher learning.
Locke said about 650 veterans and armed service members currently are enrolled. When dependents are included, the campus veterans’ community numbers than 2,600, he added.
In 2015, the Military Order of the Purple Heart gave Mississippi State its highest recognition for service to military veterans, service members, dependents and survivors. The university also has been honored as a “Best for Vets” institution by Military Times magazine.
For additional information on veteran-related events during November -- including assistance requests for disabled visitors and participants -- please contact Locke at 662-325-6719 or blocke@saffairs.msstate.edu.
The Montgomery Center website is www.veterans.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Heath Fisackerly | Public Affairs
