For more than a decade, New Mexico State University has hosted an annual Military and Veterans Appreciation Week to honor students, faculty and staff who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, the 11th annual celebration will be held from Nov. 7-13.
“Recognizing veterans on campus reminds us that our university is not just a place of learning, but a community of gratitude, respect and belonging. Veterans bring leadership, resilience, discipline and invaluable life experiences that enrich our campus and inspire future generations,” said Erika Zaragoza, Military and Veterans Programs coordinator.
The week begins with the Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in Downtown Las Cruces. NMSU’s Army and Air Force ROTC will be marching in the parade. This year’s parade theme is Honoring 250 Years of Military Service.
The opening ceremony on campus will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Aggie Memorial Tower. Retired Army Brig. Gen. Eric L. Sanchez and White Sands Missile Range Garrison Cmdr. Col. Michael A. Lueckeman will be the featured speakers.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 three events, NMSU Tribute to Our Vietnam War Veterans, ROTC/Armed Forces Recruiters Day and Veterans Day Celebration, will be held at Corbett Center Student Union, northeast side.
“Recognizing and honoring our Vietnam War veterans is an expression of our gratitude; it is our acknowledgment of their courage, sacrifices and service to our nation. Through this tribute, we honor their legacy, their sacrifices and their courage will forever hold a place of honor in our nation’s history and our hearts,” Zaragoza said.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, MVP will host an open house in Corbett Center Student Union, Room 244. Attendees can learn about MVP and its staff. Refreshments, pizza and popcorn will be available.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, the Veterans Day Picnic will be held at the Garcia Center courtyard. Free food will be provided by Jim Bobs BBQ. Local veteran service organizations, including the Las Cruces Vet Center mobile van, will host information tables.
To conclude the week, MVP will host the 11th annual NMSU Faculty and Staff Military and Veteran Recognition banquet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, in the NMSU Fulton Center, third floor, Villanueva Victory Club. New Mexico Department of Veteran Services Secretary Retired Brig. Gen. Jamison Herrera will be the guest speaker. The event is by invitation only.
For more information, call 575-646-4524 or email mvp@nmsu.edu.