Veterans Day: UT Arlington Lays Its First Wreath — a Tradition Borrowed From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The University of Texas at Arlington held its first Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony this week, an idea its veteran students carried home from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier last spring. For a campus serving more than 5,500 military-connected students, the Office of Military and Veteran Services intends it as the start of a tradition, not a one-off.
ARLINGTON — Some traditions are inherited; this one was carried home in person. The University of Texas at Arlington's Office of Military and Veteran Services held its first Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony on campus, gathering the UTA community at the Fraternity and Sorority Community Life Center to honor those who have served in the nation's armed forces.
The idea came about after MVS staff and veteran students visited Washington, D.C., last spring and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. "That experience made a lasting impact and inspired us to bring something similar back to UTA," said Lance Sanders, UTA's MVS coordinator. "We wanted to create an opportunity for our campus community to come together, honor those who have served and reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation's veterans."
Among those gathered was April Houston, a senior public health major and Air Force reservist, who said hearing the stories of sacrifice reinforced her commitment to carrying on the legacy of those who served before her. "Just hearing stories about them and what they gave for their country really puts into perspective how much of a sacrifice they made," Houston said. UTA supports more than 5,500 military-connected students, and its Veteran's Edge Peer Mentor Program pairs experienced student veterans with incoming ones for guidance and community.
Sanders's stated aim is that the ceremony outlasts its first year — "a tradition that brings our students, faculty and staff together in a meaningful way as we recognize Veterans Day." On a day when 'Veterans Day' topped the national trending lists, Arlington's newest observance is a small one by design: a wreath, a campus, and the students who served.
