MSU to Honor Veterans at Annual Recognition Ceremony

Mississippi State University to Host Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11

Mississippi State University will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the university’s Drill Field. The event, which is scheduled for 11 a.m., serves as the centerpiece for a week of programming dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel.

Mississippi state university was founded in and is located in starkville ms

MSU President Mark E. Keenum is slated to serve as the featured speaker for the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public, according to Mississippi State University. Coordination for the observance is managed by the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans, an institution named after the late Mississippi Congressman known for his long-standing advocacy for the Montgomery GI Bill.

The ceremony will feature a formal presentation by the university’s Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, who will provide a mixed color guard to represent both military branches. This recognition reflects the university’s broader commitment to maintaining a military-friendly campus environment, a priority that carries significant weight for the many student veterans and military-connected families currently enrolled at the Starkville campus.

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“Veterans Day is an opportunity for the Mississippi State community to come together and express our gratitude to the men and women who have served our country,” said Justin Brown, interim director of the Center for America’s Veterans. “With our university’s proud military heritage, it is especially meaningful to recognize their service and sacrifices while celebrating the contributions our student veterans and military-connected families continue to make to the Bulldog community.”

The observance extends well beyond the morning ceremony on the Drill Field. Following the conclusion of the formal program, guests are invited to the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery to view the “Student Salutes: A Visual Tribute to MSU Veterans” exhibit. This gallery display highlights the personal histories of MSU alumni who have served in the armed forces, alongside the support networks of family and friends who stood by them during their deployments.

The exhibit is scheduled to remain open to the public through Nov. 16, providing an extended window for students, faculty, and local community members to engage with the military history of the university. The week of programming will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 14, when the Mississippi State football team hosts Auburn at Davis Wade Stadium for the annual Military Appreciation Game. Kickoff for that event is set for 11 a.m., and tickets remain available for purchase through the university’s online portal.

For many in the Starkville area, these events serve as a practical bridge between the academic community and the veteran population. By integrating commemorative ceremonies with cultural exhibits and athletic events, the university aims to maintain visibility for the specific challenges and successes of those who have transitioned from active duty to higher education.