Veterans Day, recognized annually on November 11, is dedicated to celebrating and honoring all who have served in any one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. The significance of the date refers to the November 11, 1918 signing of an armistice on the ‘11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month’ that ended World War I. In 1954, with the amendment of the Act of 1938, Congress would change the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Today, veterans may face challenges as they re-adjust to civilian life in ways such as, reconnecting to family, entering the work force, returning to school, and adjusting to a different pace of life and work. For veterans, the decision to enter or return to higher education comes with unique issues such as residency, military credit, and navigating VA education benefits. Many institutions of higher education provide resources and assistance to veteran students and, here at UNC, our students benefit from the services provided by Veterans Services.
Veterans Services supports the military affiliated community at UNC and provides a multitude of services and resources to aid in the transition process. Located in Roudebush Cottage, Veterans Services provides assistance with questions about military credit, VA education benefits, Yellow Ribbon Program, as well as serves as the meeting location for the UNC chapter of the Student Veterans of America. UNC has also participated in the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program since 2020 and this program is designed to assist student veterans in navigating college life.
This Veterans Day, and throughout the year, consider taking the time to not only thank a veteran, but to engage in a conversation about their service. Invite a veteran to speak at an event you are involved with to share their story and what serving meant to them. Attend one of the many Veterans Day events that may be happening in your community.
The following are a few occurring on-campus and in the local community:
- Veterans Services Freedom 5K
- Feed the Children Care Package Distribution to Veterans in Need, 11/11 at 1:00pm
- UNC Athletics Military Appreciation Games
- UNC Men’s Basketball, 11/11 at 6:00pm
- UNC Football, 11/12 at 12:00pm
- UNC Volleyball, 11/12 at 7:00pm
- Veterans Day Ceremony at Bittersweet Park
Take Action:
- 8 Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans Day
- Wounded Warrior Project Veterans Day Show
- Arlington National Cemetery: National Veterans Day Observance
- Attach the Veterans Day design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resourcesfrom the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkitfrom the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
