Veterans Week recently concluded at the University of Maine. With a flourishing veteran community that includes over 300 students currently at UMaine, the University recognized the valor and sacrifice of its service members with a week-long event series that garnered local media attention.
In November of last year, it was announced that UMaine ranked among the “Best for Vets Colleges” by the Military Times. Placement in this ranking is based on retention, student persistence, financial assistance, degree completion, grade-point-average, military-specific resources and graduation rates. Veteran students make up nearly 2.5% of all degree-seeking undergraduates. They also make up for 3.2% of the UMaine graduate student population.
Beginning on Nov. 8, a flag raising ceremony was held on the University Mall in front of Fogler Library. Presented by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, the event marked the 10th annual flag raising ceremony at the university. The gathering gained local news coverage from WABI5 as well as FOX22. Tony Lierena, UMaine associate director of Veterans Services, spoke after the ceremony with a message to students and families. When it comes to Veterans Week, Lierena feels it goes deeper than just the remembrance.
“Our office has hosted events surrounding Veterans Day for over 10 years. Veterans Week begins with our annual Flag-Raising Ceremony on the Mall, which is facilitated by a color guard from ROTC. Our aim for Veterans Week is to raise awareness among the campus community about our student veteran population and to celebrate them as vital members of our community,” said Lierena.
On Nov. 9, the UMaine Football team played Bryant University in a military appreciation game. Presented by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a ceremonial flyover was performed before the kickoff by a jet from Maine’s 101st refueling wing.
That following week on Nov. 12, a Veterans Week Open House was held in the Veterans Center Room in the Memorial Union. To honor the military affiliated student community, a lunch was provided by Moe’s Original BBQ free of charge to anyone in attendance.
Other events included lunch vouchers valuing up to $12 for the Bear’s Den that were made available for student veterans on Nov. 13 and an Army ROTC vs Navy ROTC flag football game was held at Alfond Stadium on Nov. 14. Additionally, an iced coffee bar was provided in the Veteran Wing of the Memorial Union on Nov. 15. Finally, to wrap up Veterans Week, the veterans faculty and staff community connection gathering took place at the veterans center on Nov. 19 in the Memorial Union.
While some may wonder why a week would be dedicated to a one-day holiday, the impact that the events have on the Black Bear community seemingly goes farther than many may realize.
“Veterans Day is significant as it celebrates and honors those who sacrifice their lives for our freedoms. Supporting our student veteran population on campus is essential, as many may choose to remain private and anonymous,” said Lierena. “We create events that publicly demonstrate our support and convey that they are an important part of our community.”
Lierena continued by sharing how large the student veteran population is and what support systems exist for the community.
“Our community is home to over 300 student veterans and many more dependents of veterans. Our office is here to support them. If you know a student veteran who is in need or facing difficulties, please refer them to us, and we will connect them with the resources available to help,” said Lierena.
If you are a veteran, active military or know someone who has served who is in crisis, please call the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 then pressing 1, or text 838255 to be connected with a trained VA Responder.
