The University of Kansas is planning several events to honor veterans in the coming days, starting with the Salute to Service football game this Saturday.
One opportunity to honor veterans will be ongoing. The Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall at the Dole Institute of Politics “continues the late U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s commitment to honoring Kansas veterans past and present,” according to a release from KU News.
“Submissions are always welcome of veterans who have served our country from World War II until today who have a Kansas connection: whether they were born, lived, stationed or served in Kansas.”
Those who are interested can submit a veteran profile at kansasveterans.doleinstitute.org or contact kansasveterans@ku.edu or 785-864-4900 for more information.
There are several events planned from Nov. 5 through Nov. 13, including parades, speakers, a 5K, free food for veterans and more. All information below is via KU News:
Saturday, Nov. 5:
• KU Salute to Service football game vs. Oklahoma State, 2:30 p.m., David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Military/veterans can purchase discounted tickets to the game. Anyone interested in donating tickets to veterans through Vet Tix can purchase them at this link.
Sunday, Nov. 6:
• Tribute to Veterans Gala, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute of Politics. The gala will include a salute to veterans from the KU ROTC programs as well as an evening with the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. For more information, contact the Dole Institute at 785-864-4900 or doleinstitute@ku.edu.
Wednesday, Nov. 9:
• KU military-affiliated and nontraditional student brunch, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Forums, Burge Union. This free event, in partnership with the Student Involvement & Leadership Center as part of Nontraditional Student Week, is open to all KU students and their families and will include a spotlight on campus services and resources. Students are welcome to come and go as they please.
• “Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD,” 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. with Jason Kander, president of national expansion at Veterans Community Project. This virtual event is part of KU Medical Center’s campuswide leadership series and is open to the entire KU community. Register at https://bit.ly/KUMC1109.
Thursday, Nov. 10:
• Marine Corps birthday cake, time TBD, Wescoe Beach. KU Student Veterans of America will celebrate the Marine Corps’ birthday with free cake for all, while supplies last.
• ROTC 24-hour vigil, beginning at 6 p.m. KU ROTC cadets and midshipmen will be posted in uniform at KU’s war memorial sites along Memorial Drive.
• KU Salute to Service men’s basketball game vs. North Dakota State, 7 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse.
Friday, Nov. 11:
• Leavenworth County Veterans Day parade: KU-Leavenworth will participate in the parade, which begins 10:30 a.m. All KU students and their families are invited to participate and should meet at TownePlace Suites at 8 a.m. RSVP by Nov. 9 to Sarah Weygand, education program manager, sweygand@ku.edu or 913-897-8557.
• Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony and Vietnam Memorial rededication, 11 a.m., Vietnam Memorial. Join the KU community for a traditional wreath-laying ceremony to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces. As part of the ceremony, the university will also rededicate the Vietnam Memorial, the first on-campus commemorative to Vietnam War fallen in the country when it was dedicated in 1986. The rededication will recognize the addition of a second star beside the name of Maj. Glenn McCubbin, whose remains were since identified and recovered. Michelle Hack, McCubbin’s niece, will be the guest of honor, and Chancellor Douglas A. Girod will officiate the ceremony.
• Veterans Day Taps Ceremony, 11 a.m., KU Medical Center campus and virtually via Zoom. Sgt. Aaron Leonard will be playing taps in the Murphy Courtyard.
• KU Dining Services will offer a free meal to veterans at all campus locations all day, including The Market in the Kansas Union, Courtside Café at the DeBruce Center and other campus locations. Veterans should present their military/veterans ID, driver’s license with veteran designation or DD-214 at checkout.
Saturday, Nov. 12:
• Lawrence Veterans Day parade, 11 a.m., downtown Lawrence. A KU joint ROTC color guard will participate. KU student veterans are invited to participate as well. For more information, to RSVP or to request mobility assistance, call the parade association at 785-576-3765. Those walking in the parade should meet at 623 Massachusetts St. by 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13:
• Annual KU Vets Day 5K, 9 a.m., begins and ends at KU Memorial Stadium, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of KU Memorial Stadium. A virtual run option is available for anyone who is unable to make it to campus. Pre-registration is encouraged; arrive by 8 a.m. for on-site registration. Volunteers are needed for the event as well and can sign up through the 5K website’s “volunteer” section.
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