Veteran's Awareness Day Friday at Quinnipiac

More than 450 high school and middle school students and 115 veterans with visual displays of their service experiences will share in Veterans Awareness Day Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Burt Kahn Court at Quinnipiac University's Mount Carmel Campus.

The 11th annual event builds on the increased awareness of the Memorial Day Weekend to enhance students' understanding of the freedoms we often take for granted.

This year, Colonel Mary Ellen Graf, a Bronze Star recipient and Connecticut resident, will speak to the students about her experiences in the U.S. Army. Lt. Colonel Graf received her commission in 1985 and served overseas in both Kosovo and Iraq.

Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, a Vietnam veteran herself, and others will also speak on the importance of remembering those who served and continue to defend the freedoms we share.

"Veterans Awareness Day is a great opportunity for students and veterans to discuss one-on-one, and learn what has made this nation great," said Abner Oakes, chairman of the Hamden Veterans Commission. "Veterans bring exhibits and memorabilia of their time in the service and the students really enjoy the interaction."

In addition to veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, there will be exhibits from the Civil War and many groups that support veterans.

The Hamden Veterans Awareness Day was conceived by Daniel Levy, a Coast Guard veteran and Hamden Middle School assistant principal, and has always been about speaking with students, not at them.

If the displays don't prompt interaction with the students, new "Scavenger Hunt" booklets will get things started. Each student receives a copy and the questions require an observant eye and thoughtful inquiries to fill out the pages. This year's booklets include questions about current events in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as living history details from earlier conflicts.

There are many new exhibits and surprises this year both inside the Fitness and Recreation Center and outside in the nearby athletic field.

"Quinnipiac University has been a great host and once again we look forward to filling the Athletic Center with a living example of the meaning of service," said organizer Dan Levy.

For more information, contact Abner Oakes at 203-215-4675, Dan Levy at 203-407-7187 or Guy Ortoleva at 203-843-2202.