Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University will dedicate its new Veterans Memorial in the center of campus at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, honoring all students, alumni and friends of the University who served.
“Washburn has a proud history of our relationship to veterans. We are here today to dedicate a memorial to honor these heroes who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom. This memorial commemorates their achievements, their courage and their dedication. We are committed to continuing our work to ensure these heroes receive an exceptional education and are ready for the workforce after their service,” said JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn.
The new memorial centers around a bronze fallen soldier sculpture telling the story of Washburn’s military veterans, and a seven-foot-tall stone bearing all 47 names of those who served and died in Vietnam. The Vietnam memorial will be joined by seven additional standing stones arranged around the perimeter to commemorate each of the U.S. military’s six branches of service plus one additional in recognition of the many nurses who also served in war. The site will be anchored with three flagpoles flying the American, Kansas and POW/MIA flags, and the open-air nature of the plaza will make it a natural focal point on campus for veteran and memorial activities. Eighty donors generously helped make this new memorial a reality.
“As we visited with alumni and friends about this project on campus, it was inspiring to hear their stories of service to their country,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “Having a memorial commensurate with the valor and sacrifice of veterans is important to Washburn, and we thank all of the donors who helped us honor those who served.”
Following the Veterans Memorial dedication, Washburn will present its 36th annual Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 11:11 a.m. in the Washburn Room in the Memorial Union. The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Colonel George Webb, retired United States Army. Both events are free, and the public is welcome.
Washburn’s recognition and appreciation of military service goes back to its founding in 1865 when they made admission of Union veterans and their dependents a priority. Today, they are proud to continue to provide resources and support to veteran students who have served our country with honor. It is Washburn’s honor to be recognized as the first Purple Heart University in Kansas and as a Military-Friendly School.
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For further information, contact:
Sarah Towle
Executive Director of Engagement
(785) 670.1744 (office)
(785) 221.1472 (cell)
stowle@wualumni.org
