Campus and community invited to UM-Flint Veterans Day programming, Nov. 11

The University of Michigan-Flint will honor U.S. service members with a campus tradition that has endured for a quarter century. The 25th annual Veterans Day Remembrance ceremony will take place Nov. 11 at the downtown campus. All members of the UM-Flint and broader communities are invited to take part in the day that honors the achievements of our nation's veterans and the sacrifices associated with preserving our freedoms.

A person with curly hair wearing a green and blue patterned top and layered necklaces, standing indoors. — *Budd*

"We honor the extraordinary sacrifices made by service members to defend our country's principles, and programs like this provide a meaningful way to show veterans that their dedication is recognized and valued," said Helen Budd, Student Veterans Resource Center program manager. "Our aim is to ensure everyone sees the support available to veterans– whether they are students, faculty, staff and community members–through our Veterans Day programming."

John Juarez wearing a suit and tie — *Juarez*

The event begins with a breakfast at 9 a.m. in the Harding Mott University Center Michigan Rooms. Following breakfast will be a keynote address from this year's featured speaker, John Juarez. A commissioner of the Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission and U.S. Army veteran, Juarez has held various positions at the state of Michigan, including internal control and compliance officer, IT audit manager, and audit manager, while providing services to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State Budget Office, Civil Service Commission, and Department of Treasury.

members of the UM-Flint Brass Ensemble wearing black dress clothes and playing their instruments. The photo focuses on a female student with green highlights playing the tuba. — *The Brass Ensemble is one of several UM-Flint musical groups performing during the Veterans Day event.*

A number of honored traditions are returning to the event this year. The POW/MIA remembrance table commemorates members who never returned from their missions. UM-Flint Music faculty and students will provide accompaniment to the day's proceedings. Doug Burtch, assistant professor of music, will lead the brass ensemble and taps buglers; Gabriela Hristova, associate professor of music, will conduct vocalists in the Chorale and Chamber Singers. The Department of Public Safety Honor Guard will also lend its efforts to honor the university's veteran community.

A group of police officers in uniform, some holding rifles, marching in a formal setting. — *The DPS Honor Guard.*

UM-Flint is consistently recognized as a center of excellence for student veterans and their families. For the 11th consecutive year, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency lauded UM-Flint with Gold-level status as a veteran-friendly school.

"Our veterans and their families deserve all the support we can provide," Budd said.

A group of people gathered outside the Harding Mott University Center, with flags flying and a cloudy sky above. — A flag ceremony outside the UCEN will conclude the event.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP. More information about the SVRC can be found on the center's webpage. The SVRC is also seeking photographs of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces for a slideshow that will be displayed during the event. Photos can be sent to dept.svrc@umich.edu along with the veteran's military branch and dates of service.