Rutgers–Camden to Host Largest Veterans Day Celebration in Campus History
Rutgers University–Camden, the first Purple Heart University designated in the state of New Jersey, will host a weeklong celebration thanking the brave individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces, from Thursday, Nov. 11, to Tuesday, Nov. 16.
“Rutgers University‒Camden has a long history of honoring and supporting members of our nation’s armed forces,” says Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis. “This year, we wanted to expand our celebration to the largest in our history to show our appreciation for the thousands of active and retired military personnel among our students, alumni, faculty, staff and Rutgers–Camden family.”
The celebration, which will kick off a yearlong series of events geared toward veterans and veterans’ issues, will begin on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, as Chancellor Tillis welcomes guests to gather for a moment of silence at 9 a.m. at the Jeremy Kane Memorial, located outside the Campus Center. The late Jeremy Kane was a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a criminal justice major at Rutgers–Camden when he was killed by a suicide bomb attack while on patrol in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in January 2010.
Rutgers University–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis
“I welcome members of the Camden community and beyond to join me in recognizing the sacrifices of those who have served valiantly in conflicts around the globe,” says Chancellor Tillis. Later that morning, Rutgers–Camden will receive N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy’s “We Value Our Veterans” Award — due in large part to the efforts of the university’s Office of Military & Veterans Affairs — at an 11 a.m. ceremony in Holmdel. The distinguished honor is given to academic institutions, municipalities and businesses that meet specific criteria confirming a commitment to honor the “sacrifices, patriotism and bravery” of those who have worn a military uniform.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition, which is indicative of Rutgers–Camden’s continued focus on providing additional services to the men and women who have served,” says Fred Davis, campus director of veterans affairs. “We will continue providing outstanding support for our veterans and military personnel.”
The Office of Military & Veterans Affairs will host a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Day for veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. Veterans are invited to visit the Multi-Purpose Room, located on the main level of the Campus Center, to speak with representatives from local veterans service organizations about the many support services and resources available in the area.
The celebration will peak on Tuesday, Nov. 16, as Rutgers–Camden hosts the annual student-veteran luncheon, honoring Rutgers–Camden students and alumni who have served in the U.S. armed forces, at noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Lisa Hou, adjutant general and commissioner of the N.J. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and a current Rutgers–Camden student, will deliver the keynote address.
Rutgers–Camden will host a series of veterans-related events continuing throughout the fall semester; check Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat and Instagram for the latest updates.
The Rutgers–Camden campus is located on Third Street, between Cooper Street and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Get directions to Rutgers–Camden.
