Veterans Day ceremony and Field of Flags to celebrate service and sacrifice

In a tribute to those who have bravely served our nation, Purdue will host its annual Veterans Day events, including a Veterans Day ceremony and the Field of Flags display. Organized by the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center (VMSC), these events provide the community with opportunities to honor veterans and military service members.

Veterans Day ceremony

The Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 11) in Purdue Memorial Union’s Great Hall. This event is open to all students, faculty, staff and community members who wish to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. Highlights of the ceremony include:

• A moving performance by the Purduettes
• Distinguished guest speakers sharing reflections and words of gratitude
• A solemn display to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice
• A rendition of taps that serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice made by countless service members

Through these tributes, attendees will have the chance to come together as a community to remember the bravery and selflessness of our veterans.

Field of Flags and Indianapolis flag display

Complementing the Veterans Day ceremony, the third annual Field of Flags will be on display through Tuesday on the South Lawn of the Purdue Memorial Union. The Field of Flags provides an opportunity for community members to visually express their support and gratitude for veterans and active-duty service members. Each flag represents a tribute, planted by individuals wishing to honor a veteran, family member or friend who has served.

Community members are invited to stop by the Veteran and Military Success Center in PMU 284 to pick up a flag and place it on the South Lawn. For those who cannot participate in person, email Bryan Arbic at barbic@purdue.edu with the name of the veteran or service member you wish to honor. Staff of the VMSC will then plant a flag on their behalf.

New this year, the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center flag display has expanded to Indianapolis’ Boiler Park. Members of the Indianapolis community can pick up a flag at the Student Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today and Tuesday (Nov. 10-11) to place in the Boiler Park planters. Those unable to pick up a flag in person can email Tiffany Lewallen at tlewalle@purdue.edu to have a flag planted on their behalf.

For more information, visit purdue.edu/veterans.