Veterans and Military Appreciation Week at the University of Idaho
“At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War Ends…” The famous quote said at every Veteran’s Day event. This week, the University of Idaho has respectfully celebrated this holiday with a week full of events to recognize veterans in Idaho.
We celebrate Veteran’s Day every year to recognize the end of World War I, formerly known as Armistice Day to recognize the signing of the armistice that ended the war. In 1954, Dwight Eisenhower officially recognized it as a national holiday to celebrate all veterans, living and dead, thus the change to Veteran’s Day.
This week marked the Veterans and Military week-long celebration on the University of Idaho campus. Every year the University of Idaho puts on events to recognize this national holiday, but this year was special. This year we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of Veteran’s Day. The University has filled this week with many events that were hosted by NPR War Correspondents Anne Garrels and Neal Conan. Some events included talks with the pair about their experience in combat zones as well as the Vandal Football Military Appreciation game. All these events have led up to Thursday this week.
Thursday, November 8, was the wreath-laying ceremony to recognize the importance of this day. On the steps of Memorial Gym, veterans and members of the University of Idaho ROTC programs came together to deliver a speech on the importance of this holiday as well as to lay a wreath to recognize those who have lost their lives serving our country. Similar wreath-laying ceremonies are being conducted this week for the same purpose.
The Memorial Gym was the perfect place for this ceremony. Ninety years ago, the venue was built to honor Idaho residents who gave their lives during World War I. This ceremony was the perfect recognition of this day at the perfect place on campus. With many in admittance, the university created a respectful environment that left many tearing up.
It’s important that we recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who put their lives on the line to protect us. Following the ceremony, the University of Idaho Student Veteran Organization hosted a lunch for those veterans and members of the ROTC program with free admittance where both generations could share their experiences with each other as well as give advice and insight into the lives ROTC members will partake in after graduation when they begin their service.