By Brent Lyday
Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce will honor the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) throughout the 19th annual Veterans Vigil on campus from Nov. 4-6. The theme during the week is "ROTC: Past, Present and Future," and is part of the yearly dedication to a particular branch or section of the military who have served their country during times of military action.
"A&M-Commerce is excited about the 2010 Veterans Vigil and the events scheduled by the committee," said Paige Bussell, chair of the 2010 Veterans Vigil. "We have an amazing agenda and are proud to honor the ROTC this year."
The opening ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4 in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Conference Room C with Major General (Ret.) Christopher S. Adams serving as keynote speaker. Adams graduated from A&M-Commerce (formerly East Texas State) with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1952, and served 31 years in the Air Force. The lighting of the Vigil Flame will be held after the opening ceremony at 12:20 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 5, will feature multiple events, including the Veterans Vigil Youth Program from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Conference Rooms A, B, & C, Veterans Appreciation hosted by career development in the student center foyer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the AFROTC Reunion Reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the student center conference rooms A, B, & C.
The AFROTC Decade Reunions and Campus Tours will kick off Saturday's events from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the AFROTC Reunion Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the student center conference rooms A, B, & C with guest speaker Major General John M. Speigel. The closing ceremony, which will feature a military flyover and the extinguishing of the Vigil Flame, will be held at 2 p.m. between the Science Building and the Sam Rayburn Student Center.
All in attendance at this year's events are encouraged to take part in the football tailgate activities at the south Gee Lake parking lot and the A&M-Commerce football game against East Central Oklahoma at 6 p.m. in Memorial Stadium following the Vigil ceremonies on Saturday.
"I think all A&M-Commerce faculty, staff and students, as well as the community, will enjoy the schedule of events," Bussell said. "We encourage everyone to take part in this special occasion."
For more information or to sign up as a guard, visit the A&M-Commerce Veterans Vigil Web site at http://military.tamu-commerce.edu/?page_id=90 or contact the Veterans and Military Services Office at 903-886-5123 or e-mail veteransservices@tamu-commerce.edu.