Arkansas Tech University will take the opportunity to spotlight the contributions made by those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services with a variety of Veterans Day tributes before and during its home football game on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Kickoff for the football game between ATU and Harding University is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville. Admission will be free for all current and former military members. Fans are encouraged to wear green as a show of support for both the Wonder Boys and veterans.
Veterans are invited to attend a pre-game reception during Party at the Plaza, Tech’s tailgating celebration outside the stadium on Centennial Plaza. The veterans tent will be provided by the ATU Alumni Association and the ATU Office of the President.
Party at the Plaza will also include a display of military vehicles and a holiday card station where individuals can send a greeting to a service member. As game time approaches, veterans will be invited to join the ATU marching band for its traditional walk down North El Paso Avenue and into the plaza.
Pre-game ceremonies inside Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field will include the presentation of colors by the ATU U.S. Army ROTC color guard, a 30-foot by 50-foot United States flag and delivery of the game ball, which will be presented by wounded warrior Christopher Tarte of Russellville. In addition, veterans will be selected to “top the T” when the marching band spells out Tech as part of its pre-game performance.
At halftime, the ATU marching band show will include a performance of “Taps” and recognition of each branch of the U.S. military. Veterans and service members in attendance will be invited to walk with the flag representing the branch to which they belong. Families of fallen soldiers will be introduced and there will be a 21-gun salute.
Veterans Day activities at ATU will also include the inaugural Run for a Veteran 5K, which will be hosted by the ATU Service Members and Veterans of America (SMVA) student organization. The race will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Doc Bryan Student Services Building.
Registration is $25 for the general public and $15 for students with a valid ATU identification card. Proceeds will benefit SMVA initiatives to assist veterans.
For more information about Veterans Day events at ATU, contact Jordan Denton, advisor for the ATU SMVA organization, at (479) 880-4278 or jdenton1@atu.edu.
