November 11, 2019

To the Colorado State University community;

One hundred years ago today, on the first anniversary of the end of fighting in World War I, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation recognizing November 11 as Armistice Day. This day, he wrote, should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for” the victory that all members of the U.S. Armed Services had made possible. When this same date was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, President Eisenhower intentionally included living military veterans among those whom the nation would honor and celebrate each year.

Our veterans and the active duty members of our nation’s armed services have our respect and gratitude every day of the year. But on Veteran’s Day, we make a special effort to convey our pride and our thanks, through solemn observances like the Roll Call we are doing at CSU today.

While I am unable to be there today to join in the Roll Call and pay my respects in person, I join you in spirit, honoring the sacrifices of the brave individuals who have laid down their lives for our country and in thanking all of those who have served in our country’s military.

And I am proud of the work being done every day by Marc Barker, manager of military and veteran programs and director of the Adult Learner & Veteran Services office, Josh Johnson, president of CSU’s Student Veterans Organization, and the entire CSU community to support and advocate on behalf of our student-veterans.

Thank you for your service.

Warmly,

Joyce McConnell
President