2023 Veterans Week

2023 Veterans Week Events

Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11 which honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov. 11. The holiday provides an opportunity to honor and appreciate those who have served our country through military service. We are grateful for their commitment and would like to recognize the important contributions our student, staff, and faculty Veterans make to our campus community. The following events have been planned in recognition of Veterans Day on the University of Iowa campus:

Sunday, Nov. 5
Veterans flag display set-up (volunteers welcomed)
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The University of Iowa Veterans Association (UIVA) and Reserve Officer’s Training Corps will gather to place over 6,000 tiny American flags in the shape of a block “I” to honor an Iowa Veterans. Community members are welcomed to help our Veteran and military-connected students set up students set up on the west lawn of the Pentacrest.

Monday, Nov. 6 – Sunday Nov. 12
Veterans flag display
Each flag of the block “I” display was requested by family, friends, or a loved one on behalf of a Veteran. Information about the Veteran is attached to the flag. We invite members of the campus community to visit and admire the display on the west lawn of the Pentacrest.

Tuesday, Nov. 7
IVETS Breakfast and Letter Writing Campaign
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Members of the university community are invited to a free, hot, continental breakfast in 208 Calvin Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet VMC students, staff, and faculty. Attendees are encouraged to write a letter for a Veteran at the VA Hospital in Iowa City which will be delivered on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Materials will be provided. Come early, once the food is gone, it is gone!

Attendees are welcome to tour the IVETS space on the second floor of Calvin Hall to learn more about the wide range of services offered to our students in the Veteran and Military-Connected community at the University of Iowa.

Thursday, Nov. 9
Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Awards
5:30 p.m. – Iowa Memorial Union, Main Lounge
Each year, the University of Iowa honors members of the armed forces for exceptional service to their country and the Hawkeye community. The 2023 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award Ceremony is open to the public. The event is sponsored by the UI Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs, the Division of Student Life/Iowa Memorial Union, UI Military and Veteran Student Services and the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Awards Committee.

Friday, Nov. 10
Dedication ceremony for the new Veterans Plaza will take place
2:00 p.m. – North side of the IMU (East Lobby and North Room if inclement weather).

The plaza will feature seven granite monuments and the United States flag standing in permanent tribute to the University of Iowa VMC faculty, staff, students, and alumni who served in the United States armed forces in recognition of their service to our country.

Saturday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Iowa vs Rutgers Military Appreciation
2:30 p.m.-Kinnick Stadium
Hawkeye football will help honor our Veterans through the annual Military Appreciation Game at Kinnick Stadium.

Sunday, Nov. 12
Veteran flag display removal
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers are welcomed to help remove the Veteran flag display on the west lawn of the Pentacrest.