Events scheduled to honor veterans

The University of North Georgia (UNG) will hold events during Veterans Appreciation Week from Nov. 6-10 to commemorate Veterans Day.

"We aim to demonstrate our deep appreciation for the military community and uphold our unwavering commitment to providing them with the necessary support in all their endeavors," Christy Orr, associate director of Nighthawk Engagement & Student Transitions (NEST), said.

The Veterans Appreciation Week Kick-Off will run simultaneously from 8:30-10 a.m. Nov. 6 on the Hoag Patio at the Dahlonega Campus and in the Student Center Lobby at the Gainesville Campus. The kick-off will offer non-military students, faculty and staff an opportunity to express their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of veterans.  Additionally, it will serve as an opportunity for military-connected students to become aware of the campus resources available to support them.  

Veterans Appreciation Luncheons will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Veterans Resource Lounge in Hoag 319 at the Dahlonega Campus and from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Veterans Resource Lounge in Dunlap/Mathis 119 at the Gainesville Campus. Both luncheons are open to all veterans and active service members.

Faculty and staff will have a chance to increase their knowledge of military terms and enhance their understanding of the challenges veterans face transitioning from the military to college at the Green Zone Training that will be held virtually on Nov. 7. The workshop will start at 1 p.m., and more information on the program can be found on the NEST webpage.

The last event hosted by NEST will happen at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9 at the Gainesville Campus Student Center Quad. The annual National Roll Call remembers those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and those who've served in the past or are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces will also be honored and remembered.

Micah Page, president of the Student Veterans of North Georgia and a senior who is pursuing a degree in film and digital media, shared these events are important because they serve as a celebration of life.

"The events honor those who put others before themselves. But they also show all veterans that they're not forgotten, and the work they did is appreciated," the Canton, Georgia, native said.

UNG President Michael Shannon will serve as grand marshal at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. Bravo Company, which was the honor company for spring 2023; the Blue Ridge Rifles and the Color Guard will represent the Corps of Cadets in the parade.

Retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, assistant commandant of cadets, shared there are a number of events in the surrounding area that the UNG community should participate in because of the role UNG serves in the region, which include:

• Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Veterans Day Memorial Marker Ceremony on Oct. 31.
• Lanier Village Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.

"As the senior military college of Georgia, we need to honor and recognize all veterans who have served to protect our freedom," Neikirk said.