UM-Flint Veterans Day programming open to all, Nov. 11

The University of Michigan-Flint will honor U.S. service members with a longstanding campus tradition. The 24th annual Veterans Day Remembrance ceremony will take place Nov. 11 at the downtown campus. All members of the UM-Flint and wider communities are invited to take part in the day that recognizes the achievements and sacrifices of our nation's veterans.

"Our goal is to make the support veterans have here highly visible with our Veterans Day programming," said Helen Budd, Student Veterans Resource Center program manager. "We recognize the unparalleled sacrifices service members make to uphold our country's values and events like this are one way we can let our veterans know that their efforts are valued and appreciated."

Programming begins with a breakfast at 9 a.m. in the Harding Mott University Center Michigan Rooms. The keynote speaker for this year's event is retired Air Force Lt. Col. Derrick Britton. After 28 years of service, Britton has continued supporting service members as director of Genesee County Veterans Services, a position he has had since June 2023.

Another returning tradition is the POW/MIA remembrance table. Managed by retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Salazar, the table reminds attendees of the service members who did not make it back from their missions. As a senior operating engineer for UM-Flint's Facilities & Operations, Salazar has been involved in the university's Veterans Day programming for more than 20 years.

"There's no doubt you will never find another culture and or environment like the military in the world. To wear the uniform is a true honor," Salazar said.

A number of UM-Flint's musical groups will provide accompaniment to the day's proceedings. The ceremony will begin with a performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the UM-Flint Chorale, which will later perform "Hymn for America" with the UM-Flint Chamber Singers. After the keynote, songs of the armed forces will be performed by the UM-Flint Wind Symphony and Brass and Percussion ensembles. "Taps" will be performed by Antonio Salerno, a senior music education major from Flushing, and Amber Villalpando, a senior music education major from Goodrich.

The university has been recognized for years as a center of excellence for student veterans and their families. For example, UM-Flint was recently lauded with Gold-level status as a veteran-friendly school by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for the 10th consecutive year.

In 2022, the SVRC launched the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program. PAVE is a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with those already on campus to help newcomers navigate college life and ease the transition from the military to academia by improving their sense of connectedness and belonging. Since its inception, PAVE has reached out to 184 student veterans about the program. The university has 169 undergraduate veterans enrolled this fall.

"We strive to provide exceptional service for students, alums and community members who have already served our country," said Budd. "They have earned all the support we can provide."

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP. More information about the SVRC can be found on the center's webpage.