Several events are planned at NIU around Veterans Day.
“Journey of a Hero: Supporting the Sacrifice” begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the Regency Room of the Holmes Student Center. All are invited.
As NIU Military Student Services works to illustrate to supporters and participants how everyone can better support veterans, this educational and enlightening event will feature veterans who served during critical times in world history (WWII and Vietnam).
Presenters will describe their experiences serving in the military and their transitions upon their return home. Featured speakers will share with participants their experiences living through incredible moments of history:
- Don Schoo will discuss his experiences serving in WWII, where he participated in five campaigns: landing on D-Day on Omaha Beach (Normandy), in northern France, the relief of Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland and the central Europe campaign. Schoo was also one of the first American troops to enter the Buchenwald concentration camp in Welmar, Germany.
- Regis Snyder will share his experiences serving during the Vietnam War, where he describes how the conflict impacted many lives at that time and how it has shaped and influenced the world today.
The annual Veterans Day ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11.
A 21-gun salute will take place.
Each year at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the nation pauses to remember and honor its veterans with a special day. As in the past, the NIU Veterans Club student organization, with support from Military Student Services, will honor veterans at the flag pole on the lawn in front of Altgeld Hall.
All are welcome to join NIU ROTC, students, faculty, staff and community supporters, such as representatives from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion post. U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and pilot in the Air National Guard, will speak.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management will provide a short reception for participants to connect with one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Finally, Hero Day is planned Wednesday, Nov. 13, during the NIU-Ball State football game. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Huskie Stadium.
Military Student Services, NIU Athletics and the DeKalb Fire Department have partnered to honor all military, fire and police members during the game. Any veterans and members of police and fire units will be able to purchase a game ticket at a discounted cost of $10 by calling (815) 753 PACK (7225).
Service members will be recognized during the game and participate in leading the Huskies out on the field at the start of the second half. During halftime, the DeKalb Firefighters Local 1236 and Sycamore Firefighters 3046 will give away a car to a wounded Illinois veteran.
For more information, call (815) 753-0691 or email MSS@niu.edu or niuveteransclub@gmail.com.
