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A&M-Commerce to hold Annual Veterans Vigil from Nov. 9-11
By Brent Lyday
Nov 5, 2009
Commerce, TEXAS - Texas A&M University-Commerce will host the 18th annual Veterans Vigil on campus from Nov. 9-11, which is dedicated to a particular branch or section of the military each year who have served their country during times of military action.
The 2009 ceremonies revolve around the Reservists, and will begin on Monday, Nov. 9 in the Sam Rayburn Student Center with Dr. James Nicholson as the keynote speaker. Nicholson served in the United States Marine Corps through five major campaigns in North Korea before being wounded. He returned to earn a medical degree at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and is currently a part of the medical group, Primary Care Associates of Greenville.
After the opening ceremony, a Vigil Flame will be lit at 12:30 p.m. and will burn continuously until the conclusion of ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 11 on the East Lawn. The Vigil Flame is an important aspect of the Veterans Vigil with the posting of a guard by the flame at all times. Guards take one-hour shifts from the moment the flame is lit until it is extinguished.
Another highlight of this year's events will be the performance of the
United States Navy Band, Freedom, on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Sciences building. Freedom is presented by the director of Navy Band Mid-South, and consists of professional Navy musicians. The group performs popular songs throughout multiple genres.
"We are proud of the events scheduled by the Veterans Vigil Committee," said Connie Mears, assistant director of student activities and leadership. "Freedom will highlight activities on Monday, Nov. 9 following the swearing-in of new recruits."
Mears added that Freedom's performance is complimentary and open to the public.
Following all events on Nov. 11, the final ceremony will take place on the East Lawn with the extinguishing of the Vigil Flame and a military flyover, weather permitting.
From 1949 until 1991, the Air Force ROTC unit on campus conducted the time-honored ceremony. The unit was lost due to retrenchment in 1991, but the university chose to continue the tradition with a committee comprised of community leaders, faculty, staff and students, which have carried on the legacy since 1992.
For more information contact Connie Mears at Connie_Mears@tamu-commerce.edu or call 903-886-5819.
FREEDOM IS COMING TO OUR UNIVERSITY
On Monday, November 9, 2009, the University begins our 18th Anniversary Celebration of Veterans Vigil. One of our highlight events this year will be an appearance by the U S Navy’s premier contemporary entertainment ensemble:
FREEDOM
FREEDOM is presented by the Director of Navy Band Mid-South, and consists of a high energy group of versatile entertainers made up of professional Navy musicians. This dynamic group features vocalist musician Third Class Leigh Donaldson, and specializes in a variety of today’s popular music. Their presentation includes performances of Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Classic and Modern Rock, as well as a little down-home Country. This polished presentation will motivate and inspire all in attendance. This is a rousing, high energy show that everyone will enjoy!
FREEDOM will be performing in the Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium, with the performance time starting at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 9, 2009. With the University’s focus on our esteemed military veterans, this concert will certainly pay homage to those who have so valiantly served our nation when called upon to do so.
Please mark your calendars and plan on being there, for what will be an exciting and honorable presentation. “Let FREEDOM ring!”
Connie_Mears@tamu-commerce. edu for additional information.
Veterans Vigil 2009
18th Anniversary
Reservists
Veterans Vigil Website
Veterans Vigil site constructed on the North Lawn, SRSC
Color Guard - LCDR Reed on 11/5 ~ Practice 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. Reception/Vigil Guest Book/Ribbons
Pre-Function Area-SRSC
OPENING CEREMONY
Conference Room C
Ceremonies hosted by Dr.
President, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Ceremonies directed by: Ms. Connie Mears (Chairperson)
Mr. James Vanbebber (Student Chairperson)
Students in service uniforms recognized during the ceremony
11:30 a.m. Program Begins
Navy Junior ROTC ~ Greenville High School
A&M Marching Band Members
Presentation of Colors
National Anthem
Sergeant Aubrey England, USMC
Welcome
Dr.
President
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Proclamation: “Remember Us”
Mr. Quay Throgmorton
Mayor
City of Commerce
Video: “Reservist”
Videographer ~ Robyn Hollis Price
Mr. Derryle Peace, Alumni Relations Director
Grant Recipient: PS1 James Vanbebber
Speakers:
Recognition of Veterans and Guests
James Vanbebber
Dr. James Nicholson (Marine/Reservist)
Keynote Speaker
12:20 p.m. Begin Processional to Vigil Site
North Lawn
Navy Junior ROTC ~ Greenville, TX
POW/MIA Flag
United States Flag
Texas Flag
Spirit of America Flag
History of POW/MIA Flag: CPO Vic Tornero
Lighting of the Vigil Flame: Dr. James Nicholson (USMC) and Aubrey England (USMC)
A Vigil Flame will be lit for POW-MIAs, as well as, to honor veterans and fallen soldiers of all wars and conflicts. The focus of this year is the Reservist. A vigil will begin with the lighting ceremony and culminate on Veteran’s Day with Taps, candlelight ceremony and the extinguishing of our flame on the North Lawn of the Sam Rayburn Student Center on November 11, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.
Presentation of 2009 Plaque and Placing of Wreath by President
Taps Performed by two Texas A&M-Commerce band students
Posting of the 1st Guard: Dr. Wendell Edwards
Revolutionary War Uniform
First-Year Leadership Class to Host Military Guards (11/9 – 11/11)
5:45 p.m. Swearing-In of Recruits
CO NRD Dallas and Recruits
MU1 Jeremy Bustillos (jbustillos@gmail.com)
MU2 Winnie Dawkins
Tuesday, November 10th
Youth Program 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Coordinator: Robyn Hollis Price
Veterans Vigil Video Presentation
Breakout Rooms ~ SRSC
Speakers: Dr. Keith McFarland, Dr. Joseph Webber and Harry Thompson. Vanbebber seeking former military personnel to speak.
Half Track Provided by Clay Cunningham
Navy SUV Provided by NRD Dallas
Area Schools
Commerce Middle School (6th Grade)
Janet John - Teacher
120 Students
Cooper Elementary School (5th Grade)
Karen Long – Teacher
68 Students
Veterans Appreciation Open House
Student Access and Success Center
10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Sponsors: Career Development and Military and Veterans Services Office
Recruiters onsite during the Open House
Refreshments Provided
12:00 p.m. Rucksack to Backpack Workshop
Yellow Ribbon GI Bill
Welcome Center (Corner of Stonewall and Campbell)
Veterans Appreciation Day
TBC Bookstore
10% Discount all day
12:00 p.m. Diversity in Dialogue
Robert Dotson, Office of Diversity and Cultural Affairs and the Veterans Vigil Committee
Topic: “Stories from the Frontline: Those that are Affected”
Innovation A Room
Light Refreshments Served
3:30 p.m. Fly-By ~ North Lawn, SRSC
Col Cox
Aircraft: F-16’s
Mark Cline (USAF, Ret.) Radio Communications
3:45 p.m. Military and Veterans Services Presentation
Alumni Center Conference Room
4:00 p.m. Pancake Supper
North Lawn-SRSC
Rain Location: Student Center Conference Rooms (A, B and C)
5:00 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil
Dr. Randall Hooper, Director of Choral Activities
Closing Remarks
Extinguish Flame on Command
Dr. James Nicholson and Aubrey England
President’s Salute
Chaplain: Kathryn Sullivan ~ American Legion Post #1
Chief Donna Spinato to provide PAWS ALERT
Marquees on campus to note 21-Gun Salute
Rifle Salute to Fallen Veterans: Hunt County Veterans Honor Guard - Jerry Malone Taps