In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Maine at Presque Isle held an event on Thursday, Nov. 14 to honor veterans who are students on campus and thank them for their service. The event included a lunch in Kelley Commons and the displaying of a Remembrance Table.
“We are grateful for the many men and women who have served our country, and recognize the sacrifices they and their families have made for the sake of all Americans,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “We extend a special thanks to our veterans who are here pursuing their educational goals after years or decades of military service and adding to the richness of our campus community.”
During the lunch event, President Rice joined with Fred Strickland, Cybersecurity faculty member and 21-year Air Force veteran, and Student Government Association President Matthew Payan in offering remarks. President Rice also shared information about the Remembrance Table, which was set up in the cafeteria that day.
The Remembrance Table is a small table set for one, in recognition of prisoners of war and those missing in action. Each item—a white tablecloth, a red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon, a candle, a bread plate only with salt and a slice of lemon, a glass inverted, and an empty chair—symbolizes an aspect of these soldiers’ service and the importance of remembering their sacrifices. The Remembrance Table was displayed throughout the day in Kelley Commons.
Also at the Nov. 14 event, a Veterans Appreciation table was set up so students and community members could write notes of appreciation on thank you cards to be shared in the coming weeks with veterans on campus or sent to a veterans hospital or home in Maine.
