Illinois State University will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at noon Friday, November 10, in the Bone Student Center Prairie Room. The event will include a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I. The event is free and open to the public.
Illinois State Army ROTC cadets will participate in the ceremony by posting the colors, and providing the invocation and benediction. Illinois State President Larry Dietz will deliver remarks to recognize and honor veterans. Following the ceremony, the audience is invited to proceed to the flagpole on the Quad for the laying of flowers and the playing of Taps.
The featured speaker for the ceremony will be Ross Kennedy, chair of Illinois State’s Department of History. Kennedy’s research focuses on World War I, the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, and U.S. foreign relations. He is the author of The Will to Believe: Woodrow Wilson, World War I, and America’s Strategy for Peace and Security, and editor of A Companion to Woodrow Wilson.
Veterans may pick up commemorative yellow ribbons from 9-11 a.m. that morning in the Veterans Services office, 112 Moulton Hall, and at the entrance to the Prairie Room North prior to the ceremony. The ceremony is sponsored by Veterans and Military Services, Illinois State University Army ROTC, Veterans at Illinois State, Omega Delta Sigma Illinois State faculty/staff military affinity group, and the Office of the University Registrar.
Due to ongoing renovation work at the Bone Student Center, parking in the pay lot north of the building will be limited. Those attending the Veterans Day ceremony may park in non-reserved spots at First United Methodist Church, 211 N. School St.
