Each Veteran’s Day The University of New Mexico has a long-standing tradition of honoring its veterans, military service members and their families; while the pandemic has limited in-person gatherings, Lobos from across campus will celebrate virtually.

As part of the virtual tribute, UNM President Garnett S. Stokes and Alumni Association President Chad Cooper spoke from the Alumni Memorial Chapel.

“As a veteran, you are the very embodiment of our American ideals. You stand for our foundational belief in “We the People,” and for that Jeffersonian, self-evident right that we are all created equal. You stand for strength of character and for commitment to a noble cause larger than any single one of us: that of freedom and a forthright, just democracy,” Stokes said. “Today we celebrate each of you, and all of you, with our most heartfelt respect for your sacrifices and appreciation for your service. We are honored to have so many veterans as part of our Lobo family and the UNM campus community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

The south wall of The Alumni Memorial Chapel lists the names of Lobos who have served and lost their lives in war. The chapel was dedicated to honor each of those fallen soldiers.

“Now, more than ever, we come together to honor the selfless sacrifice and what it means to serve our nation,” Cooper said. “For over 100 years, Lobos have served in every war and conflict honorably. Many of those Lobos, 228 to be exact have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

UNM’s Veteran & Military Resource Center provides student-veterans and their families with resources across campus, as well as within the community.

“Today we recognize the sacrifices made by veterans – some who have given up their lives for our great country and others who have given up their lives in the prime of their lives to serve our country,” VMRC Director Alonzo Maestas said. “I think of all the student veterans at UNM taking on new challenges and working hard to better themselves.”