Middle Georgia State University commemorates Veterans Day with a wide variety of events
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, November 5, 2018 12:00 AM
Category:
Pressroom
Macon, GA
A choral concert, volunteer service at the Dublin VA hospital, participation in a nationwide tolling of commemorative bells, and a unique early-morning event are just some of the programs Middle Georgia State University (MGA) has planned for its week-long observance of Veterans’ Day. 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice of 11 November, which ended combat between Germany and the Allied Forces in World War I.
The University will be hosting a number of events to celebrate and remember the service of and sacrifices made by our nation’s military personnel. Events will take place in all five cities that are home to MGA campuses, and will include informational presentation, volunteer opportunities, and chances for MGA students to connect with both active duty and former military members.
Included in this year’s events is a special program in honor of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The Armistice of 11 November went into effect on “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” – 11:00 am on Nov. 11, 1918. Adjusting for the six-hour time difference between Macon and the Forest of Compiegne in France where the Armistice was signed, the University and the City of Macon-Bibb will celebrate the 100th commemoration of Veterans Day exactly 100 years – to the hour – after the Armistice came into effect with a special ceremony at 5:00 am on Sunday, November 11 on Coleman Hill.
The University will also be participating in the “Bells of Peace” program, with bells striking 21 times at 11 am on Monday, November 12 on all five campuses. Bells of Peace is a nationwide initiative to commemorate the centennial of the Armistice of 11 November with the simultaneous striking of 21 bells, either at public gatherings or via an app – more information is available at https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/commemorate/event-map-system/ace-smartphone-app.html.
“This Veterans’ Day brings past and present into dramatic relief,” said University president Christopher Blake. “We honor and thank this Veterans’ Day those living veterans and current service men and women whose lives and work give us security and hope for a peaceful, just future. They do this by their willingness to serve and being prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom around the world. We also this year remember the centennial of the end of the First World War - the Armistice of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 - when the most tragic of human wars came to an end. Over the past century that struggle for freedom has continued to be fought by brave men and women who believe in democracy over dictatorship. This Veterans’ Day stands as a moment to thank and honor those millions who have come and still come to uphold the priceless values of life and liberty.”
The full list of Veterans Day events is below. For more information about a specific event, contact the email address listed with the event:
Tuesday, Nov. 6
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thank a Veteran
Eastman Campus, Flight Operations Lobby
Eastman Campus students will be able to enjoy refreshments and express their gratitude on Thank You cards to those who served.
Tuesday, Nov. 6
11:00 am
Veterans Day WWI Program
Cochran Campus, Walker Auditorium
The program for this year's Veterans Day honors those who served in World War I.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
9:30 am
Veterans Day Program: African American Veterans of WWI
Dublin Campus, Student Center
The Dublin Campus will host a tribute to African-American World War I Veterans with a variety of presenters.
Thursday, Nov. 8
All day
Operation Gratitude
Macon Campus, Student Life Center Game Room
Macon Campus students will write letters to veterans, first responders, and active duty military thanking them for their service.
Friday, Nov. 9
All day
VA Hospital Volunteer Opportunity
Dublin, VA Hospital
Students will serve those who sacrificed so much to serve our country by volunteering at the VA Hospital in Dublin, GA.
Sunday, Nov. 11
5:00 am
100th Commemoration of Veterans Day
Downtown Macon, Coleman Hill
Middle Georgia State University and the City of Macon-Bibb celebrate the 100th commemoration of Veterans Day.
Sunday, Nov. 11
5:00 pm
Chamber Singers Concert
Macon, First Presbyterian Church
MGA’s Chamber Singers will be featured in a concert honoring our veterans
Monday, Nov. 12
11:00 am
5th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration
Downtown Macon, Coleman Hill
Middle Georgia State University and the City of Macon-Bibb host the 5th annual Veterans Day event at Coleman Hill.
Monday, Nov. 12
11:00 am
Bells of Peace
Macon Campus: Quad area between the Library and the Teacher Education Building
Cochran Campus: Walker Hall
Dublin Campus: Student Center
Eastman Campus: Across campus
Warner Robins Campus: Flagpole outside the Academic Services building
Bells will strike 21 times in commemoration of the centennial of the Armistice of 11 November.
Monday, Nov. 12
All day
Operation Gratitude
Warner Robins Campus, Student Lounge
Warner Robins Campus students will write letters to veterans, first responders, and active duty military thanking them for their service.