Brigham Young University’s Air Force and Army ROTC units invite local media and the community to attend the unveiling of a return to a classic Veterans Day tradition on campus Thursday, Nov. 11, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at locations around the Wilkinson Student Center.
To reinforce BYU’s Patriots Week, ROTC officers searched through forgotten records and revived a wreath ceremony and military ball that will both honor fallen veterans and connect living ones in Utah County with campus cadets.
“This year we are implementing an old tradition that will honor veterans and form closer bonds between those who serve, those who are about to, and those who have already paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Col. Brent A. Johnson, commander of BYU Air Force ROTC Detachment 855.
Vern Law, retired Major League baseball player, will be the ROTC’s distinguished guest this year. Law, who is credited with coining the phrase “winners never quit,” will be receiving the Distinguished Leadership Award and will offer remarks. BYU president and LDS general authority Cecil O. Samuelson will also be speaking.
Please note that the BYU Veterans Day ceremonies will conclude before Provo City commences its program, so reporters will be able to cover both events.
What: A Veterans Day ceremony, including a wreath laying and Taps performance honoring 200 fallen BYU military members (similar to ceremonies held daily at Arlington National Cemetery); a presidential review conducted by BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson and distinguished guest, baseball legend Vern Law; and a military ball for all Utah County veterans and BYU cadets.
When and Where: The ceremonies will occur in four different locations:
1. Flag lowering and cadet marching: In front of the Wells ROTC Building located south of the J. Reuben Clark Law School – 8:30 a.m.
2. Wreath ceremony: Inside the Memorial Lounge located on the east side of the Wilkinson Student Center – 9 a.m.
3. Presidential review and remarks by Cecil Samuelson and Vern Law: Brigham Square, located northwest of the Wilkinson Student Center – 9:30 a.m.
4. Military Ball: At the BYU Timpanogos Lodge near Sundance – Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8 to 11 p.m. (directions at lodges.byu.edu)
How: Media are invited to attend all events and will receive special seating during the wreath laying in the WSC as well as the presidential review on the south side of Brigham Square (in the courtyard in front of WSC). Cameras may be set up in front of the Air Force ROTC Choir, which will be on the steps in front of the WSC. Vern Law will be briefly available for questions and answers at an informal reception immediately following the presidential review. Free visitor’s parking is available in the lot east of the WSC adjacent to the Law School, which is also near the Wells Building.
Media Contacts:
Maj. Alan Hanks, USAF, professor of aerospace studies, 80 Wells ROTC Building, (801) 422-7719, alan.hanks@byu.edu
Happy Larsen, Aerospace Studies Department secretary, 380 Wells ROTC Building, (801) 422-2671, happy@byu.edu
Website: afrotc.byu.edu
