For the second year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will pay tribute to all military personnel representing all service branches from every war period in the 20th and 21st centuries. Activities will be held on campus Nov. 4-6.
The official observance of Veteran’s Day is Monday, Nov. 11.
The three days of activities planned for Monday-Wednesday next week will pay homage to all brothers- and sisters-in-arms from the past and in the present. The SIUE and surrounding communities are invited to take part in the tribute.
“Veterans Day is that special day of the year we gather together to honor, salute and acknowledge every man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of our armed forces,” said Dr. Denise DeGarmo, associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science. “The Veterans Tribute at SIUE is an opportunity for our community to pause and reflect.
“We pause and reflect on the cost of war. Veterans across the ages have suffered the shock and pain of combat. Some have become disabled for life. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. All who served have given up some of the best years of their lives. We pause and reflect on their service, service that ensures our rights to freedom and liberty.”
Veterans will share their experiences as members of the U.S. military forces. Individuals contributed artifacts, pictures and special items they collected to help educate attendees about the human side of war.
“While there is great uncertainty across America today, we should have no reason to be uncertain about the respect and honor we owe to those who have served in this nation’s armed forces,” DeGarmo added.
All activities are located on campus, in the Morris University Center, 2nd floor, in the Art Gallery and International Room for educational sessions. The Illinois Patriot Guard Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall will be in the Art Gallery for the duration of this event. A Full Schedule of Events can be found online.
“I’m so pleased that Mr. Don Pannier has agreed to return with the Illinois Patriot Guard Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall,” said Cheryl Brunsmann, assistant director of Educational Outreach at SIUE. “Don and the wall will be here for the entire event this year.
“The wall was among the highlights of last year’s event. It is very sobering to realize the number of men and women who have given their lives. I think it is essential that we take the time to pause and honor these individuals and their families.”
Brunsmann continued that the space requirements for this year’s event grew substantially based on last year’s participation.
“Last year, when entire classes of students came through the exhibit, it was difficult for an individual veteran to be heard if he or she wished to speak to the group as a whole,” she said. “Because of that, we decided to arrange for separate space to allow for some of this to happen in a more organized manner.
“This separate space also allows us to include educational information on the Illinois Veterans & Community Classroom Project and PTSD. It is my hope that our communities recognize the importance of these events and join us for at least part of this tribute.”
Throughout the three-day period, the Mission of Moms and Fisher House Foundation will be on site accepting donations, including personal hygiene items, AA and AAA batteries, insect repellant wipes, white and black socks and more. With questions regarding Mission of Moms, or to inquire about donating large items, call 618-593-8322 or 618-345-7477 and ask for Marcia. All donations will be sent overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for troops.
All events are being sponsored by SIUE ROTC, Peace and International Studies, the Department of Political Science, the Office of Educational Outreach and the SIUE Office of Veterans Coordination.