Activities to recognize veterans' contributions
Binghamton, NY -- The Binghamton University campus will observe Veteran’s Day 2012 through a variety of activities, beginning Thursday, Nov. 8. A morning flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Binghamton ROTC Unit, along with the New York State University Police at Binghamton, will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Couper Administration Building. The flag-raising will be followed by an a cappella music performance by the Harpur Chorale.
An exhibit to honor all veterans will also be open for viewing from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the lobby of the Couper Administration Building. Open to the public, the exhibit will feature photos, stories, timeline panels and historical artifacts. The exhibit will also be on display from noon-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 12, in the Tillman Lobby of the University Union.
Friday, Nov. 9
Binghamton University’s Veterans Services Office will sponsor a service project from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in room 108 of the University Union, on campus. Volunteers will fill backpacks with family support materials, communication tools, fun items for children to share with their friends and family, and handwritten letters of support for children and youth affected by military deployment as part of an Operation Military Kids project called “Hero Packs.”
Sunday, Nov. 11
Admission to the Binghamton Bearcats men’s basketball game against Brown at 2 p.m. in the Events Center is free for all veterans in uniform or with valid ID. The game will be preceded by a color guard ceremony and recognition of all veterans in attendance. There will also be tabling with information about veterans services, and a free giveaway of flag pins while supplies last.
Monday, Nov. 12
On the Day of Observation, Binghamton University veterans including staff, faculty, alumni, undergraduate students and dependents, will speak about their experiences at 1:30 p.m. in the Tillman Lobby of the University Union. The panel discussion will focus on student life, acclimating to Binghamton University, life in the service and what it is like to be a combat veteran.
A closing ceremony and flag lowering will be conducted by the Binghamton ROTC Unit and the New York State Police at Binghamton University at 3:30 p.m. in front of the Couper Administration Building.
These events are co-sponsored by the Binghamton University Veterans Services Office, Athletics Department, Office of the President, Music Department and the Harpur Chorale with Director Peter Brown, the Division of Student Affairs, the Center for Civic Engagement, New York State Police at Binghamton University, U.S. Army ROTC at Binghamton University, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Binghamton Vets Center, Southern Tier Veterans Group and the Operation Military Kids program.
For more information or to participate, contact Victor Yang at vyang@binghamton.edu or 607-777-4188. For more information about the many services that are provided by Binghamton University’s Veterans Services Office, visit http://www2.binghamton.edu/veterans.
