A meaningful celebration of Veterans is a decade-long tradition of Concordia University Ann Arbor.
The celebration was initiated in 2007, when military Veteran members of the Concordia faculty and staff wanted to hold a special celebration to recognize those, young and old, who had served our country while simultaneously allowing the opportunity to share the history of Veterans Day with Concordia students and the surrounding community.
The tenth annual celebration will be held this Friday, November 10 on Concordia’s campus located at 4090 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor 48105. The event is free and open to all Veterans.
“It’s very important for students to hear the Veterans’ stories of selfless service and dedication to our country; that is what inspired us to do this,” said Dr. Robert McCormick, chair of the Veterans celebration committee and campus dean of arts and sciences.
For ten years, Concordia’s campus has opened its doors to active duty military, Veterans, and their families as well as school children and community members to participate in a day that is dedicated to honoring and commemorating the selfless service of our military.
McCormick reflects on a personal favorite memory from throughout the events’ history, “One year we had Concordia’s choir singing by the flagpole while the Boy Scouts presented the USA flag, all culminating with two fly-overs overhead. That is a moment I will never forget.”
Each celebration throughout the years has been different from the other, depending on the variant speakers, participants, or the service project, but the mission of the event has remained the same.
“Our hope is that Veterans leave campus after this celebration knowing that we appreciate all they’ve done and have the utmost respect for them,” said McCormick.
On Friday, November 10, the day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a welcome and continue with a chapel service at 10:30 a.m. complete with a color guard from the University Michigan Wolverine Battalion, Concordia choir performances including Battle Hymn of the Republic, and a message from Chaplain Craig G. Muehler, Director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Ministry to the Armed Forces.
The celebration continues with a programmed lunch in CUAA’s Black Box Theater with a presentation by Medal of Honor Recipient Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles. Those participating in the lunch will need to register in advance.
— 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.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.