The annual Veterans Vigil will shine a spotlight on the contributions of spouses of military service men and women when the memorial comes to Texas A&M University-Commerce Nov. 7-9.
Connie Mears, assistant director of Student Activities and Leadership, and the Veterans Vigil Committee have overseen arrangements for the tribute.
Last year, the center point for the vigil was the moving wall commemorating those who fought and died in the Vietnam War. This year’s main attractions will be musical entertainment and the digital unveiling of a memorial for those lost in World War II.
To open the event, the first 50 military spouses will receive carnations at the Founders Lounge in the Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center. Shortly after the reception for the military spouses, a digital memorial for the soldiers who fought in WWII will be unveiled in James Gee Library.
The keynote speaker for the three-day memorial will be Shirley Johnson, wife of U.S. Congressman Samuel Johnson. Mears said she was, “pleased and honored to have her come.”
This will be the 16th year A&M-C has hosted the services, including the traditional lighting of the vigil flame on the West Lawn. Guards will stand post at the flame continuously throughout the three days.
The first musical act to entertain the crowd will be the Navy’s premiere jazz ensemble, the “Commodores,” in the Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The Navy Band has been together and playing music since their founding in 1969. Mears said she was “ecstatic” when she found out the band’s schedule would allow for them to come and honor the school and the veterans.
“We are very honored to have the Commodores come and play for our vigil,” Mears said. “It will be a great addition to the vigil and may cause people to come and take part in the event.”
Another ingredient of the memorial Mears expressed excitement about Thursday’s youth program. Fifth graders from Sulphur Springs and Commerce elementary schools will be bussed over to the event.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring young people to come and learn what we do here to honor veterans,” Mears said.
Mears said the children taking part in the youth program are hoped to be making a video to send to the troops recently deployed to Iraq from Greenville. The video will feature the children singing the national anthem or reading poems to the soldiers.
The closing ceremony will feature a moment of silence followed by the playing of “Taps.” Flags will be lowered and the vigil’s flame will be extinguished to mark the end of the annual memorial. After the closing ceremonies, the crowd will be directed to the Music Recital Hall where the Lackland Air Force Band of San Antonio will put on a show directed by Dr. Christopher White, head of the Music Department.
“The Veteran’s Vigil Committee is the most devoted committee members to work with because of their passion in recognizing men and women who have served this country, ” Mears said.