Faulkner County veterans will be the guests of honor at a patriotic Community Tailgate as part of the University of Central Arkansas’s annual Veterans Day celebration.
The Community Tailgate is slated for Nov. 11 outside of Estes Stadium.
UCA has acknowledged the contributions of service men and women since 1996. This year, the UCA community wanted to do more to thank veterans for their service.
“Veterans Day is a time when we can reach beyond our borders and serve our surrounding communities,” said Melanie Epperson, the Staff Senate president and chairwoman of the UCA Veterans Day Committee. “I believe our actions should show we are good neighbors, which helps instill a sense of civic responsibility in our students.”
The Veterans Day activities are funded exclusively through donations, Epperson said.
UCA’s Veterans Day celebration kicks off with a Veterans Information Fair from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the concourse at Estes Stadium. The Veterans Administration and UCA will have booths providing information from how to apply for a VA home loan to the G.I. Bill, disability support and other benefits and services.
“If you are a relative or dependent of a veteran, the information might help you,” Epperson said.
The Community Tailgate will begin at noon. There will be plenty of food, games and prizes.
Bitter Harvest, a group made up of active duty Marines, will perform.
Local military and veterans organizations, vendors and student organizations will set up in the Purple Circle parking lot north of the stadium.
A luncheon for veterans will take place at the Crafton Alumni Pavilion at noon followed by a special ceremony honoring veterans at 2 p.m. at the stadium.
U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln will make remarks during the ceremony.
Retired Maj. Gen. Craig Whelden is the guest speaker. Wheldon is a former commander of the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center. He currently heads the U.S. Army Community Convenant.
UCA President Allen Meadors, city officials, representatives from veterans groups, and a student veteran will sign a covenant to show their commitment to veterans.
More than 100 balloons will be released in honor of each Arkansan killed in service since Sept. 11, 2001.
Epperson, who served in the Air Force for more than seven years, said it is important to recognize the contributions of men and women in uniform. The Community Tailgate is a small token of appreciation for their sacrifices.
“If we have the ability to do something great, we should at least try,” Epperson said.
Arkansans who have died in service in Afghanistan and Iraq are listed on the Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial website at http://arkansaswallofhonormemorial.webs.com/wallofhonor.htm.
