Veterans Day Week 2023 Events

In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Kansas will host/participate in a variety of events Nov. 4-12. Events are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Nov 4

  • Lawrence Veterans Day parade, 11 a.m. in downtown Lawrence. A KU ROTC color guard will participate. KU student veterans and Gold Star family members are invited to participate as well.  For more information, to RSVP or to request mobility assistance call the Lawrence Parade Association at 785 576-3765. Those walking in the parade should meet at 623 Massachusetts Street at by 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5

  • Tribute to Veteran’s Gala, 6-8:30 p.m., Dole Institute of Politics. The gala will include a salute to veterans from the KU ROTC programs as well as an evening with the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. For more information, contact the Dole Institute at 785-864-4900 or doleinstitute@ku.edu. 

Sign up by Nov. 6

  • Belonging @ KU Serving Campus Care Packages, various locations. To recognize KU’s student veterans and nontraditional students and the contributions they bring to campus, several offices are giving out care packages with essential and snack goods in observance of Non-Traditional Student Week and Veterans Day. Student veterans and nontraditional students can sign up online to receive a care package, while supplies last, by Nov. 6. Packages can be picked up Nov. 6-10. Care packages are sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Hawk Link; Military-Affiliated Student Center; and Student Involvement Leadership Center.

Nov. 6

  • Communication Skills Panelist Discussion, noon-1 p.m., Zoom, with three experts who are all part of Toastmasters International and are veterans themselves. The entire KU Medical Center and KU communities are welcome to attend this event, hosted by KU Medical Center’s Registrar’s office. The panelists are Ron Blanton, Navy; David Wootan, Air Force; and Harold Osmundson, Navy.

Nov. 8

  • National Veterans Service Officer veterans’ disability ratings brown bag lunch info session, 11 a.m. to Noon, Summerfield Hall Room 351 (next door to the Military-Affiliated Student Center) and one-on-one visits to answer specific questions, Noon- 2p.m. A national VSO will be on campus to discuss disabilities veterans may have received on active duty and how to get them evaluated. Feel free to bring your lunch to the info session.
  • Salute to Service Women’s Basketball Game vs. Northwestern State, 6:30 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse. Military members and their families can purchase specially priced tickets to this game. For questions or more information, please call 800-34-HAWKS.

Nov. 9

  • Veterans Day Taps Ceremony, 11 a.m., KU Medical Center Kansas City campus. Army Sgt. Aaron Leonard will play Taps in the Murphy Courtyard.
  • National Student Veterans of America’s Visibility Exchange, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Burge Union. SVA is committed to promoting inclusion and initiating national conversations. Over the 2023-2024 academic year, they are leading these discussions on 20 campuses nationwide. SVA members at KU and area schools are invited to this free event, which focuses on fostering connections, diversity, and visibility on campus. Those interested in participating can register for this event on MySVA. For questions or more information, please contact Ray Queen, SVA outreach specialist, at 202-223-4710 x502 or ray.queen@studentveterans.org.

Nov 10

  • Marine Corps birthday cake, 11 a.m., Wescoe Beach. KU Student Veterans of America will celebrate the Marine Corps birthday with free cake for all, while supplies last.
  • ROTCs’ war memorial sites vigil, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. KU ROTC cadets and midshipmen will be posted in uniform at KU’s war memorial sites along Memorial Drive.
  • Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony, 11 a.m., Campanile. Join the KU community for a traditional wreath-laying ceremony to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces.
  • Salute to Service Men’s Basketball Game vs. Manhattan, 7 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse. Military members and their families can purchase specially priced tickets to this game. For questions or more information, please call 800-34-HAWKS.

Nov 11

  • KU Salute to Service football game vs. Texas Tech, time TBD, KU Memorial Stadium. Military members and their families can purchase specially priced tickets to this game. For questions or more information, please call 800-34-HAWKS.

Nov. 12

  • AnnualKU Vets Day 5K, 9 a.m., begins and ends at KU Memorial Stadium, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. A virtual run option is available for anyone who is unable to make it to campus. The first 800 participants to register will receive a finisher’s medal. Pre-registration is encouraged; arrive by 8 a.m. for on-site registration. Volunteers are needed for the event as well and can sign up through the 5K website’s “volunteer” section.

Ongoing

  • The Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall at the Dole Institute continues Senator Bob Dole’s commitment to honoring Kansas veterans past and present. Submissions are always welcome of veterans who have served our country from World War II until today who have a Kansas connection: whether they were born, lived, stationed or served in Kansas. Submit a veteran profile at this link: Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall or contact kansasveterans@ku.edu or 785-864-4900 for more information.
  • Salute to Service nominations for KU home games. Nominate a veteran or military to be recognized prior to the start of a KU home game.

Nov. 6-10 is also First-Gen College Celebration Week

For those who are also first-generation college students, KU is celebrating First-Gen Week with a series of events and activities. Visit the First-Gen Week website for more details.