KINGSTON, R.I. – October 29, 2019 – On Wednesday, Nov. 6, in advance of the 101st anniversary of the initial armistice that called for an end to the hostilities of World War I, the URI Student Veterans Organization together with the URI Office of Veteran Affairs and Military Programs will host an Armistice Day Ceremony on the University of Rhode Island Kingston Campus.
“We have designed this ceremony to honor the sacrifice of all those who have served our country – veterans of all generations and wartimes – remembering that Armistice Day is Veterans Day,” said Marland Chang, ’22, president of the URI Student Veterans Association.
The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on the east side of the Quadrangle and will feature remarks from Rhode Island National Guard Adj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan and VFW State Cmdr. Michael Carter, as well as a presenting of the colors by the URI Reserve Officer Training Corps and music from the Newport Navy Band.
In addition to the ceremony on the Quad, a historical timeline of the University’s military heritage will be on display in the lobby of Swan Hall, 60 Upper College Road, on the Kingston Campus, beginning at 10 a.m. until approximately 7:30 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. there will be a special screening of the Peter Jackson-directed WWI documentary, “They Shall Not Grow Old,” in Swan Auditorium.
This will be the second annual Armistice Day observance held jointly by the Student Veterans Organization and the University’s Office of Veteran Affairs and Military Programs. Last year’s observance, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, was held in the Memorial Union.
Rachael Garcia, the University’s assistant director of veteran affairs and military programs, acknowledges that fewer people on campus may be familiar with Armistice Day, but notes an important reason for bringing the term back. “Everyone knows what Veterans Day is, but using Armistice Day really helps to get the conversation going and gives us the opportunity to share and connect others with our military history and culture.”
According to Garcia there are over 200 military veterans or active military enrolled on campus, with approximately 150 military dependents. Those numbers have been steadily growing in recent years, as has membership in the Student Veterans Organization.
“It’s important for people to understand that there is a vibrant and active community here,” said Garcia. “And Armistice Day is one part of that.”
“We look forward to commemorating Armistice Day and to this important recognition of our past,” Chang added. “We also hope these events give the greater URI community – students, faculty and staff – the opportunity to learn more about us and our experiences for the future.”
All events are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the Armistice Day Ceremony on the Quad will be moved to Edwards Hall, 64 Upper College Road. For questions related to Armistice Day events, contact Rachael Garcia via email: rachael_garcia@uri.edu or phone: 401-874-5162.