From attending ceremonies on campus or in their communities to shaking a veteran’s hand in gratitude, UUPers across the state marked Veterans Day in many ways.

“Veterans Day is a day to remember men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces or have served, and to thank them for their service,” said Plattsburgh UUP member Gina Doty, co-chair of the union’s Veterans Affairs Committee. “I think UUP members can instill in their students the importance of giving thanks and gratitude to members of our Armed Forces who volunteer to keep us free.”

Veterans Day, a state and national holiday, is observed Nov. 11. The holiday, originally called Armistice Day, was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 following World War I. In 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to honor all veterans.

While UUP has spoken out against to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the union supports the men and women who put their lives on the line in those wars—and in every war fought to win and preserve the freedoms enjoyed by every American.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity to let our military vets know how much you appreciate the sacrifices they have made to serve this great nation,” said UUP President Phillip Smith. “Many of our members are veterans, and we are very proud of them and the commitment they made to keep this country safe.”

The Veterans Affairs Committee has taken steps to honor veterans by annually entering a wreath from UUP in the New York City Veterans Day parade. The committee displays an American flag and the National Anthem is played at all Delegate Assemblies.

The committee’s mission is to keep members who are veterans informed of their rights and provide support to those returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. UUP members who are veterans are invited to contact the Veterans Affair Committee through its Web site at http://uuphost.org/vets.

— Michael Lisi