Happy Veterans Day, Penn State! This is an important day for our country and a wonderful time to reflect on the service of our loved ones and the impact of their sacrifice.
Today, I am remembering my father and uncles who fought during World War II in the Pacific Theater and in France; my father-in-law who was served in the Philippines under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur; along with the many Penn Staters who have answered the call to fight in each U.S. military conflict since our founding. I’m proud that Penn State has continued our strong connections to military training and support, and that we continue to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside veterans every day across our campuses.
To honor our veterans, Penn State is kicking off its tenth annual Military Appreciation Week today. This proud tradition is volunteer-led and open to all.
This series of events begins this morning at 11:11 a.m. with a Veterans Day Ceremony on Old Main lawn — I invite you to attend in person or view the ceremony online. Individuals across the campuses are welcome to join us virtually, and many Penn State campuses are hosting in-person ceremonies, as well.
I encourage you to check out the full schedule of activities planned through Nov. 20, including virtual and in-person mindful resilience yoga classes for all levels, a Veterans Resource Fair in downtown State College, and more.
This season we are paying special tribute to the Pennsylvania National Guard. These individuals — many of whom are Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni — have assisted food banks, responded to natural disasters, delivered meals, and supported COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites across the state. They have fulfilled their mission and played a critical role in serving citizens of the commonwealth and the United States throughout the pandemic and beyond.
I am proud that as a University community we continue to honor the sacrifice and service of military members, veterans and their families through a wide range of initiatives and services, including the following:
- The Student Veteran Center, now in its second year, serves more than 400 student veterans who are currently enrolled at University Park, as well as more than 5,000 at Penn State campuses across the state, including World Campus.
- Beaver Stadium is now the largest stadium in the United States with a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Chair of Honor. This seat is a powerful reminder of our commitment to those who have not returned home.
- Ongoing recognition of Penn State as a military-friendly school for the many academic programs and support resources available to active duty, veteran, ROTC and military-affiliated students.
- Our profiles of service on the Military Appreciation website highlighting Penn Staters who have served is continuing to grow thanks to your submissions.
Above all, I am moved by how our community has come together to help Penn State’s military appreciation efforts grow over the past 10 years. This week marks a milestone that wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members.
It’s through your generosity and hard work that Penn State’s military appreciation celebrations have consistently been among the largest in the Big Ten. We’ve grown from donating 100 football tickets to veterans and service members in 2012 to donating more than 7,000 tickets in 2019 through the Seats for Servicemembers program.
Each year when I attend the military appreciation tailgate, I’m touched by the many service members and military families who express their thanks for our hospitality. I want to extend my gratitude to the countless individuals who have given their time to this University-wide effort over the years. Thank you to our:
- Students and ROTC cadets — many of whom are now serving themselves — and members of the Student Veteran Organization for planning annual events like the POW/MIA Vigil and Veterans Day Ceremony. Also, each year, students place more than 2,977 flags on Old Main lawn every Sept. 11 — one for every victim of the 9/11 attacks.
- Employees across our campuses who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the Military Appreciation Committee and organize events and programming for local service members.
- Local community members, partners, and businesses in our campus communities, who have volunteered time and resources to support these efforts. For example, in 2019, more than 500 volunteers helped make the pre-game military appreciation tailgate at the Penn State-Indiana football game possible.
- Donors who contribute to scholarships funds to support student veterans and military-connected students, as well as fans and alumni who make it possible to offer complimentary football tickets to veterans, military members and their families through Seats for Servicemembers.
I hope to see many of you, including veterans and service members, during Military Appreciation Week. On this Veterans Day — and every day — we thank you for your service.
