Concordia University Ann Arbor honored Veterans with a series of events for Salute to Service week.
Salute to Service week was spearheaded by CUAA’s new Veterans Outreach Coordinator Bryant Lepic. Lepic is a Veteran himself, serving 11-years with the United States Air Force and completing five combat deployments to Iraq.
Check out a recap of some of the events below.
Star Walk of Honor
Funds for Operation Barnabas were collected through the Star Walk of Honor. For $22, members of the community sponsored a star to honor a veteran they know including their military brand, dates of service, or killed in action date. The $22 figure represents “22 A Day,” an estimate of the number of veterans lost to suicide.
Motorcade escort for the arrival of The Moving Wall Vietnam War Memorial
Dozens of first responders from around southeast Michigan escorted The Moving Wall upon its journey to campus from The Regent Hotel to Concordia University Ann Arbor. The escort was also accompanied by a Black Hawk, flying overhead. Click here to watch a video of the motorcade arriving to campus.
The Moving Wall installment
Concordia students helped to set-up and clean The Moving Wall at the front of the Earhart Manor on Concordia’s campus. The CUAA maintenance team first built a base to support the wall, allowing for a seamless installment. Students from both the SHB 410 and SHB 240 played a special role in the planning of the Jet 4 A Vet 5k and the Veterans Banquet, both held on Saturday, November 13.
The Moving Wall Opening Ceremony and Flag Raising
A special ceremony was held to honor the opening of The Moving Wall Vietnam War Memorial. The replicated memorial remains open 24-hours a day until Sunday, November 13. Bryant Lepic, CUAA’s Veterans Outreach Coordinator, raises his arm in salute.
Veterans Day, November 11, 2021
On November 11, a series of events took place, including a ceremonious Daily Chapel service. Students from St. Paul Ann Arbor Lutheran School joined campus for the Chapel service and checked out The Moving Wall on their walk from school to the Chapel.
The Concordia Choir and message from Rev. Coleman Geraci
The Concordia Choir sang All Who Dwell in the Shadow of the Lord during the Veterans Day Chapel service in Concordia’s Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Rev. Coleman Geraci, pastor of both St. Thomas Lutheran Church (Ann Arbor) and St. Paul Lutheran Church (Milan) shared the message. Geraci spent eight years in the US Army serving as a Special Forces Media Sergeant.
21-gun salute, trumpet playing of Taps, and Huey the Helicopter flyover
Following Chapel, attendees processed to the Manor front lawn, in front of The Moving Wall, for a prayer, Scripture reading, 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and a helicopter that flew in the Vietnam War. Click here to watch live video of the tribute.
Once-in a lifetime helicopter rides
Attendees were given the opportunity to ride in a helicopter, their purchase of the ride helping to off-set costs from the flyover. This particular helicopter flew in the Vietnam War.
More photos coming soon
- Seipp and Sheets trumpet and organ duo concert (November 11)
- Jet 4 a Vet 5k (November 13)
- Veterans inspiring Veterans art show (throughout November)
- Veterans Hiring Event
- Veterans banquet (private event)
Want in?
Veterans and dependents, learn more about how to enroll at CUAA here. Concordia also offers a variety of scholarships for veterans and active duty military. Learn more about scholarships here.
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
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