Texas A&M University – Commerce is honoring the men and women who have served their country during times of military action this year with the 20th annual veteran’s vigil titled ‘Remembering Our Armed Forces.’
The event will begin at the Sam Rayburn Student Center Pre-Function Area on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Following a brief ceremony, a vigil flame will be lit and burn continuously until it is extinguished on Saturday at the closing ceremony.
Dr. Joe Webber, former dean of students will light the flameat 12:30 p,m., after the opening reception. According to Paige Bussel, A&M–Commerce University Registrar, one important aspect of the Vigil ceremony is the posting of a guard at the site. Sentries generally serve in one-hour shifts for as many or as few shifts as they choose. With some open slots still available for standing guard, 27 people are scheduled for post times.
“A guard stands every hour from 12:30 p.m. on Thursday until the closing ceremonies end on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.,” Bussel said. “They are not all students; the guards are volunteers from all over. Dr. Wendell Edwards will be the first post.”
The opening reception will present military officer Dr. Richard Owen Proctor, who is also an A&M–Commerce alumnus, as the keynote speaker. He served in the U.S. Army between 1964 and 1991, advancing from Captain to Brigadier General.
“Usually a different branch is recognized [each year] but this year we are dedicating the vigil to all branches – thus the title ‘Remembering Our Armed Forces’,” Bussel said.
The event will continue Friday with a t-shirt sale, face tattoos, free popcorn and drinks at 11:00 a.m. and a working military dogs demonstration at 1:00 p.m. The event will wrap up with closing ceremonies on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with a performance by the University Chorale, a performance by Lou Ann Petty singing ‘A Soldier’s Wife’, the extinguishing of the vigil flame and a military fly-by between the SRSC and Science building.
Veteran’s week will also include a 10 percent discount at the A&M–Commerce bookstore Nov. 3 – 5 and the Veterans Benefit and Job Fair at 11 a.m. at the SRSC on Nov. 2.