Each November, the University picks a branch of the military to honor for its annual Veterans Vigil. This year they have 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 A&M-Commerce Air Force ROTC program, but when the program was lost for a year in 1991, a group of faculty, staff, students and other community individuals continued the tradition 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 Memorial Student Center.
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., remaining 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 fifth through eighth grade from 9-11 a.m. There will be a speaker and other activities for the students to participate in during this time.
Students at A&M-Commerce who would like to volunteer should contact Patricia Perkins 903-885-5816 or Connie Mears at 903-886-5819. Volunteers are needed to stay at the site of the event and can work for as long as they are available. Drummers are also needed on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
“Probably the most impressive part of the Vigil is the 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.