For Immediate Release November 3, 2009
Contacts: David Ottalini, 301 405 4076 or dottalin@umd.edu
Veterans Week at Maryland
WHAT:
Veterans Week at the University of Maryland
WHEN:
Monday, November 9, 2008 - Saturday, November 14, 2009.
Wednesday, November 11: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. : Veterans Day Celebration:
University Vice President for Student Affairs Linda Clement will host and provide welcoming remarks. Watch the Video of the event. Volunteers from the university's Air Force ROTC unit will hold a vigil outside the chapel that day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers will also take part in an honor guard and a second vigil by the Memorial Book while it is on display in the chapel.
Maryland will honor its veteran community of faculty, staff and students this Veterans Day with an annual celebration event November 11 at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel on campus. We are thrilled and honored to continue the tradition of honoring the service of our veterans through this event and other activities on campus, said Vice President for Student Affairs Linda Clement. It is important that we remember the service and outstanding contributions of these individuals to the nation and our community,
Dr. Clement will act as host and provide opening remarks. Participants include Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward Chow - who will present a proclamation from Governor O'Malley. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Christian B. Cowdrey '73, Tillman scholar and graduate student Dennis Robinson and Chuck Wilson, of the Office of Extended Studies are also scheduled to participate. Volunteers from the university's Air Force ROTC unit will hold a vigil outside the chapel that day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers will also take part in an honor guard and a second vigil by the Memorial Book while it is on display in the chapel. Download the invitation
Veterans Research Internship Findings Presented
Wednesday's Veterans Day service will also feature the initial findings of three Maryland students participating in the Veterans Research Internship, who are using university archival records, personal interviews and other primary sources to tell the stories of the 209 individuals in the university Memorial Book.
Dedicated in 1961 and engraved by alumnus and White House calligrapher William Tolley ('43), the book serves as a permanent record of the University of Maryland alumni who gave their lives in service of their country. "The University Archives has been very excited to work with students on this project, said Jason Speck, assistant university archivist and mentor on the project. Making the names in the Memorial Book come to life for alumni who may have known these veterans as well as current and future generations of students is essential so that their courage, service, and sacrifice are never forgotten. In researching each name, students gain an understanding of what resources are available both on and off campus and how to interpret those sources critically. Most of all, they gain a further appreciation for those who fought and died for their country."
Monday, November 9th from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m.: MICA Cross Cultural Brown Bag Panel will discuss the topic of Latinos in the Military during WWII. Panelists will include Dr. Victoria-Maria MacDonald, Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, discussing her research on the experiences of Latino Veterans during WWII and Robert Chester a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of American Studies exploring the politics of images of Latino WWII veterans and soldiers in the postwar period. Chris Garcia, a Residential Facilities Manager, will share her father's remarkable story of serving in the US. Army Air Corps in WWII. This program will be held in the Student Involvement Suite of the Stamp in rooms B and C.
Saturday, November 14: Prior to the Maryland-Virgina Tech game there will be a ceremony to honor Maryland's veteran community. In addition, the Terps will be wearing black and tan uniforms and shoes with a camoflage design by Under Armour. The uniforms will include a Wounded Warrior logo patch. The Mighty Sound of Maryland plans a halftime show that will honor all Veterans as well.
MEDIA:
Media coverage of the Veterans Week activities are welcome. Parking is available near the Memorial Chapel, next to the Rossborough Inn or in Union Lane Garage (a short walk away).
CONTACT:
For more information, contact Dave Ottalini at 301-405-4076 or Megan Dillard Miller (Chapel) at
301-314-9893
Completed in 1952, the Memorial Chapel was dedicated to those members of the university community who died in service to the country by the Board of Regents. Throughout the building's history, Veteran recognition has been a central part of the Chapel's mission. This Veteran's Day service is part of the second annual Veteran's Week at the University of Maryland. For information about the 2009 Veterans Day Service, the Veterans Research Internship, or the Memorial Chapel, please contact Megan Dillard Miller at mdillard@umd.edu or 301-314-9893.