Student Veterans at UNM (SVUNM) and the Veterans Resource Center are hosting a celebration for Veteran's Day on Friday, Nov. 9 beginning at 11 a.m. in the UNM Student Union Ballrooms. The ceremony begins with the Posting and Raising of Colors followed by remarks made by retired U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Marilyn Dykman. At 11:15 a.m., a moment of silence and a reading of the names of the UNM 2012 National Roll Call for New Mexico Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Roll Call will be followed by guest speakers including New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Cabinet Secretary Timothy Hale. Special distinguished guest to UNM, Chief of the Joint Staff, Air Force Brig. Gen. Judy M. Griego, Chief of the Joint Staff for the Joint Force Headquarters, New Mexico National Guard, will also say a few words to UNM's student veterans. Additionally, information booths from outside veterans organizations will also be on hand to inform and educate the community.

Following the ceremony until 2 p.m., the UNM Student Veterans Association (SVUNM) will hold a Veteran Awareness/Appreciation Fair with participation by many veteran's organizations. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SUB Atrium, SVUNM will conduct its annual "Mile of Coins" fundraiser.

Also, the UNM Staff Council will have a table at the fair to collect candy for Operation Gratitude, an organization which ships care packages addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units.

Parking for anyone wishes to attend the ceremony is available at the Lomas Parking Structure on the corner of Lomas and Yale Boulevards.

To learn more, visit: UNM Veterans Resource Center, email Odetha Hill or call (505) 450-9551.