UC's Grand Tribute to Our Nation's Veterans

Hundreds gathered on the University of Cincinnati's campus for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 10. UC President Santa J. Ono led the event, recognizing the many veterans in attendance and welcoming all students, faculty, staff and distinguished guests who came to pay tribute to those who had served our country.

"On this very important occasion in America, we pause to honor those men and women who have given and sacrificed so much in service to our nation," Ono said.

Guest speaker and UC alumnus retired U.S. Navy Capt. Frank Mendralski referenced in his remarks a scene from the 1998 Academy Award-winning film "Saving Private Ryan" where Tom Hanks' Army Ranger character dies on the battlefield.

"He says two words: Earn this," Mendralski said. "At that moment, that Ranger became every veteran speaking to every American. Earn what we fought and died for."

Mendralski's remarks were followed by three volleys of rifle fire from the Honor Guard American Legion Post 530 and two buglers stationed in the towers of Tangeman University Center (TUC) and McMicken Hall playing "Taps." The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift to veterans in attendance.

Planning for the event was done by UC's Army ROTC in conjunction with the Air Force ROTC.

VETERANS FAIR

A Veterans Fair was held at the conclusion of the ceremony. The fair featured more than a dozen local and regional veteran-oriented groups, including representatives from UC's award-winning

Omega Delta Sigma-Ohio Beta co-ed veterans fraternity

. UC’s Office of Veterans Programs & Services is presenting additional veteran-themed activities to be held throughout the week, including:

Nov. 12

• 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., VetSuccess Workshop at TUC 425: Veterans can get individualized assistance concerning Veterans Affairs pay and other topics.
• 2-5 p.m., Fifth Third Bank Empower U at TUC 415A: Fifth Third representatives will be available to discuss budgeting, avoiding identity theft and other financial issues.

Nov. 13

• 1-3 p.m., Fifth Third Bank Empower U at TUC 415A
• 7 p.m., military appreciation night at the Bearcats vs. East Carolina University football game at Paul Brown Stadium: Veterans and their families can receive free game tickets from Veterans Programs & Services.

Nov. 14

• 3-5 p.m., the WYSH Project's Andrew O'Brien at TUC 220: O'Brien will discuss post-traumatic stress disorder, integrating veterans into the workplace and other topics.

The University of Cincinnati has close to 1,500 student veterans enrolled – one of the largest populations of student veterans in Ohio – and has been

named a Military Friendly School

by Victory Media for six consecutive years. UC is one of fewer than 100 campuses in the nation to offer the

VetSuccess On Campus program

, which is designed to help veterans transition from the military lifestyle to an academic environment. The Office of Veterans Programs & Services also provides

job opportunity information tailored to veterans' needs

, including a translator to help show how skills acquired during military service can be applied in the civilian workforce.

For more information, contact UC Veterans Programs & Services at 513-556-6811 or vetcert@uc.edu.