The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. That was the date that saw the signing of the treaties that ended what at the time was hoped to be the war to end all wars. What was once called Armistice Day is now Veterans Day in the U.S. and is still commemorated on the 11th day of the 11th month. Sadly, it now honors those who perished, not only in that first world war, but during the many wars since, as well as the millions who served our nation in the armed forces.
Here at Rutgers University-Newark, hundreds of veterans are part of our university community, ranging from the young men and women who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, to those faculty and staff who served during other conflicts as well as during peacetime. RU-N hosts an active Student Veterans Organization, and the presence of veterans on the campus has enriched us all and added to the diversity of our university. Rutgers also offers an array of services for student veterans, and has been ranked one of the top colleges in the U.S. for veterans.
On Nov. 12 the university community will celebrate and thank its veterans with an afternoon of free public programs that will address issues of interest to veterans of all eras, and offer an opportunity for the RU-N community to recognize and thank those who have served.
On Veterans Day, and every day, we say “thank you” to the countless men and women who have risked all to serve their country.
