11-11-11

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, marks the end of perhaps the most traumatic war in human history — World War I. It ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

On 11-11-11, Columbia College in conjunction with about 170 higher educational institutions in all 50 states will commemorate the sacrifices of U.S military personnel who have served by reading the names of the nearly 6,300 American casualties of Iraq, Afghanistan and related theaters of operation this past decade.

“Columbia College is proud to be a part of the reading of these names,” said Tery Donelson, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. “It is our public recognition and understanding of the ultimate sacrifice these men and women have made during 10 years of war, sacrifices that have been made by our military service members and their families throughout the history of our great country.”

Students, faculty and staff will read about 4,000 names in Atkins-Holman Student Commons on the main campus at 10 a.m.* Eleven of the college’s Nationwide Campuses will each read about 250 names:

• Crystal Lake, Ill.
• Fort Worth, Texas
• Jacksonville, Fla.
• Jefferson City, Mo.
• Kansas City, Mo.
• Lake County, Ill.
• Los Alamitos, Calif.
• Orlando, Fla.
• Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
• Rolla, Mo.
• Salt Lake, Utah

The military tribute roll call is expected to last around five hours.

The nationwide, grassroots event is called the Remembrance Day National Roll Call.

The roll call is sponsored by the Veterans Knowledge Community of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and does not seek to raise money or promote any individual college, simply honor those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

Columbia College also celebrates and remembers veterans with a Veterans Hallway in Atkins-Holman Student Commons from Nov. 1 – 11. Faculty, staff and students were asked to share a photo or written sentiment in honor of a relative, friend or themselves to be displayed.

Look for a slideshow of these images soon.

Many trees on the Bass Commons circle drive also will be wrapped in yellow as a poignant reminder of those still serving abroad and to wish them a speedy and safe homecoming.

The college made a commitment to educate military service members more than 40 years ago, and nearly half its campuses are located on military bases.



*10 a.m. Missouri time is 11 a.m. Eastern time.