This Saturday will be the 104th celebration of Veterans Day in the United States. Although initially named “Armistice Day” in remembrance of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918, the spirit of this day has remained the same. It is a time to honor individuals who have served in the military and recognize the valor they display in service of this country. It seems altogether fitting that we also take this opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of military family members who make so many sacrifices so that their loved ones can serve.

To the military service members and their family members in our community, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your bravery and sacrifice.

As a university, we will observe Veterans Day this Friday, November 10. There will be no classes, and offices will be closed. I hope you will use this time to share your appreciation with current service members and veterans you may know, either as students at CSU, colleagues, friends or loved ones.

Later today, our Veteran and Military Student Success Center will host this year’s Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony. The event will begin at 11 am in the Fenn Tower Ballroom. I encourage everyone to join us as we hear from CSU community members who have served, are currently serving or are family members of someone in the military.

Thank you to the Veteran and Military Student Success Center for coordinating Veterans Appreciation Week and for providing a platform for the voices of military-connected students and veterans at CSU and in Northeast Ohio.