Every November, A&M-Commerce picks a branch of the military to honor. This year the University has chosen to honor the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Vigil will take place Nov. 6-8 on the east circle lawn.
The Vigil started in 1949 with the schools Air Force ROTC program, but when the program was lost in 1991 a group of faculty, staff, students and other community individuals continued the tradition making sure that there was vigil in 1992. The Vigil is dedicated each year to POW/MIAs with recognition afforded to a particular branch or section of the United States military.
The opening ceremony for this years’ Vigil will take place on Nov. 6, in the founders lounge located on the second floor of the MSC. Read Admiral Jim Lair is this year’s key speaker and following the ceremony the Vigil flame will be lit at 12:30 p.m. and will remain lit until the start of the football game on Nov. 8. If the weather permits there will be a military fly over along with the playing of TAPS, a presentation of flags and the National Anthem. On Friday, Nov. 7 there will be a youth program for students in 5-8 grade from 911 a.m. There will be a speaker and other activities for the students to participate in.
For students who would like to volunteer please get in touch with Pat Perkins or Connie Mears. Volunteers are needed to stay at the vigil site, they can work for as long as they please. Drummers are also needed on Thursday, Nov. from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1:00pm-2:00pm.
“Probably the most impressive part of the Vigil is the Vigil site which will be erected near the East Circle. There will be an eternal flame which will be guarded by a veteran, as well as a POW/MIA Chair to honor those who haven’t yet come home,” Perkins said.