Happy Veteran’s Day!
Today we honor those who have served to represent our country in the six branches collectively constituting the United States Armed Forces: the Navy, Coast Guard, Space Force, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. No part in choosing to serve is facile, nor does it get any easier while actively serving or after; thus, we pay great reverence to those who have made such sacrifices for us all.
Did you know that this day is quite historically enriched? We can trace back the origin of Veteran’s Day to 1918, when the crusades of World War I were finally seen to cease. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice, or truce, was alas effectuated, thus deeming November 11th a day worth forever commemorating. Due to this armistice mentioned above, this day was once recognized as “Armistice Day”, though this was later changed to the renowned “Veteran’s Day” we observe today later by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.
While we may hope for a day without the need for war, we cannot turn a blind eye to history; thus, today and always, we, the SGA, hope to uplift those who have served in any of the six branches.
The Off Campus Student Services (OCSS) here at UMBC offers resources particularly for veterans, which you can find here! The Registrar’s Office also holds benefits for Veteran Students, and either financial aid or scholarships may be further available.
If you are personally a veteran, you may want to check out the Veterans Luncheon at True Grits today from 12PM-2PM to get a complimentary lunch (in wing 3 of True Grits). All students can also stop by OCSS’s front desk to drop off donations for the Coat Drive as support for the MCVETS this Friday.
Again, happy Veteran’s Day, and thank you for your service.
In celebration,
The UMBC Student Government Association
Mehrshad Fahim Devin, SGA President
Joshua Gray, Executive Vice President
Nailah-Bena Chambers, Vice President for Student Organizations
Ayah Aligabi, Treasurer