The Veteran Student Life organization hosted events to honor veterans in November
Guests entering UMD's memorial chapel for the Veterans Day Service. (Ya-Marie Sesay/Black Explosion)
The University of Maryland honored and remembered our nation’s veterans throughout the entire month of November.
The Veteran Student Life organization dedicated to uniting all those who served in the military at UMD hosted multiple events including “The Weight of Honor,” a screening and panel discussion on the documentary showing the lives of families caring for wounded veterans, a military appreciation football game and the most prominent event of the month, the Veterans Day Service and Lunch at the university’s Memorial Chapel.
Family members and veterans were greeted at the door by members of the Maryland Honor Guard an organization that preserves and honors American pride, with a program and wristband that read “Honor & Remember.”
The ceremony opened with a flute performance by Ceylon Mitchell, a graduate student from the School of Music and a welcome from the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs John Zacker.
After the posting of colors and national anthem, Zakariya Kmir, a mathematics and economics major and member of the Muslim Student Association gave the invocation. Kmir reflected on the meaning behind Veteran’s Day and the importance to give back and serve our communities.
“I take Veterans Day as motivation to pursue work and serve my community and to not be selfish with how I dedicate my time and my life,” said Kmir.
UMD President Wallace Loh gave his remarks in a short speech on the history and importance of not forgetting the veterans who lost their lives for our country.
United States Navy sailor and behavioral and community health Ph.D. student Sara Olsen reflected on her experience coming to the University of Maryland as a veteran.
Olsen described how much she kept to herself in classes because she was 15 years older than her classmates and did not want to deal with being judged about her life in the Navy. She decided to show up to class with her uniform for the first time and avoided interacting with her peers. To her surprise, her classmates asked her many questions to get a greater understanding of who she was.
“My classmates asked me questions about where I was stationed, what I did, what I like to do and they wanted to get to know me as a person beyond the uniform,” said Olsen.
Olsen learned her degree from UMD is more than just checking off a box from her checklist, but there is importance in making a connection and finding new ways to belong without hiding her military identity. Olsen encouraged the audience to ask questions and get involved with the UMD community as veterans.
Members of the military standing up while UMD's Mighty Sound marching band performs their branch military song. (Ya-Marie Sesay/Black Explosion)
“Trust me it makes all the difference in the world to have a degree from UMD, and to be part of the University of Maryland,” said Olsen.
Jack Baker, a retired United States Air Force airman and executive director of operations and maintenance at UMD shared what Veterans Day meant to him.
“We must remember, we must honor those who have gone before,” said Baker. “I ask all of you to find a way to keep the memories of every veteran alive, do not forget. Keep this event going, keep other events going and support them.”
A candle was lit in honor of veterans and a moment was given to the audience to share their stories amongst each other. Family members cried and others laughed while reminiscing their loved ones.
Members of UMD’s Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band performed the military songs from each branch. Veterans and those in active duty were asked to stand up during the appropriate song.
The event ended with a bagpipe recessional and lunch buffet on the garden chapel patio.