For the third consecutive year, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) will participate in the Remembrance Day National Roll Call project to honor American service men and women from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2013, at the Rooney Library.
In simultaneous ceremonies across the nation, campus and community volunteers at The Woods and 85 college sand universities in 33 states will read the names of the fallen. Each campus has organized its own ceremony to recognize those who have served, are serving, and those who died in service to the nation. All participating campuses will observe a nationwide minute of silence at 11 a.m. pacific standard time (2 p.m. local time).
Organizers at The Woods believe the roll call is a powerful message to send to the troops and veterans by honoring the sacrifices of their peers. “We participate in Veterans Day activities on behalf of all who currently serve or have served in the military,” said Frank Whittle, assistant professor of business and advisor to SMWC Student Veterans Organization. “It is our way to remember those who have given their all for the nation.”
The Veterans Knowledge Community of NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education sponsors the Remembrance Day National Roll Call. Its mission is to advocate for best practices to help student veterans transition to college and succeed. The National Roll Call began in 2011 to mark the 10th anniversary of the post 9-11 conflicts.
During the Roll Call event and throughout the day, SMWC will also display two Fallen Soldiers Tables to acknowledge the inability of the service members to be present and to provide opportunities to become involved with the Student Veterans Organization. Additionally, as a result of the College’s ongoing support of America’s military, SMWC has recently been named to the 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list for embracing America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensuring their success on campus.