What is Veterans Day and How is it Celebrated?
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a day to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In 2024, the University of Delaware (UD) and Notre Dame Law School (ND Law) held moving tributes to recognize veterans within their communities.
University of Delaware
When and Where Did the Event Take Place? On November 6, 2024, UD hosted its annual “Flags on the Green” event on the Newark campus. In the early morning hours, volunteers gathered on The Green to arrange 7,088 small American flags, representing each U.S. military service member who sacrificed their life since September 11, 2001.
Who Participated in the Ceremony? This tribute was organized by UD’s Air Force and Army ROTC students, staff, and members of the Blue Hen Veterans (BHV), a registered student organization dedicated to supporting veterans. The ceremony on November 7 included UD faculty, students, and community members, as well as notable figures like U.S. Senator Tom Carper, a Navy veteran.
Why is This Ceremony Significant? Since 2002, UD has held this event to pay tribute to fallen service members, with the flag display acting as a powerful visual reminder of their sacrifice. For veterans, students, and faculty, the event fosters unity and respect while serving as a moment to reflect on the contributions of military personnel.
What’s Next for BHV and the UD Veterans Community? BHV, recognized as the official Student Veterans of America chapter at UD, continually supports veterans on campus. They provide networking, mentorship, and other resources for current and former service members. Upcoming plans include electing new BHV officers and sending representatives to the SVA National Conference in 2025. Additionally, there are efforts to establish a Veterans Diversity Caucus to further inclusivity and advocacy within the campus veteran community.
Notre Dame Law School
What Initiatives Does ND Law Offer for Veterans? Notre Dame Law School honors its veteran students through a supportive environment and access to benefits like the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps veterans and their families cover educational costs.
Who Are the Featured Veterans at ND Law? Notre Dame highlighted the journeys of several veteran students this Veterans Day, such as:
- Parker Felterman (Army Reserve), who aspires to join the JAG Corps.
- Tim Wieckowski (Active-duty Army Captain), studying under the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program with the goal of becoming a Judge Advocate.
- Jake Golden (U.S. Air Force), who hopes to use his law degree to support small businesses in Detroit.
Each student’s story reflects ND Law’s values: “God, Country, Notre Dame”—a phrase that embodies commitment to faith, patriotism, and service.
What are the Broader Impacts of These Veterans Day Events?
Both UD and Notre Dame demonstrate how universities can create strong, supportive environments for veterans, helping them transition into civilian careers and fostering a sense of community. The ceremonies also encourage non-military students to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices veterans make, strengthening campus-wide respect and camaraderie.
