Veterans Day Roll Call Event at UW to Honor Fallen Nov. 10

Volunteers are needed to read the names of military members who died serving their country during a Veterans Day event Friday, Nov. 10, at the University of Wyoming.

The UW Veterans Services Center (VSC) will host its annual national roll-call program on Simpson Plaza, joining campuses from across the country in similar events on Veterans Day.

“The federal holiday will be moved to Friday, but usually the Laramie VFW and American Legion will always sponsor their activities on the actual Nov. 11 date,” says Marty Martinez, UW VSC project coordinator. “Each year, since 2011, the National Roll Call event unites student veterans on college campuses across the country in recognizing and remembering the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.”

VSC is looking for at least 70 volunteers to read nearly 7,000 names. Volunteers are needed to each read about 100 names, with each time block expected to last about 10 minutes. A specific time block may be requested, and anyone is welcome to read during multiple time blocks. Martinez says the event is open to campus volunteers and those from the Laramie community.

The presentation of the colors by UW ROTC and opening remarks begin the ceremony at 8 a.m., followed by the reading of the names of the deceased. Reading of names begins at 8:05 a.m. and will conclude at about 6:50 p.m., Martinez says. A moment of silence will be observed at noon, and final remarks, the playing of taps and retiring of the colors follow the final reading of names.

“Please keep in mind that the reading will be in chronological order, from 2001 to the present, so, if there is a specific date or name that you wish to read, please specify,” Martinez adds. “Also, include a first and second choice time block on the volunteer application list.”

To volunteer, email the following information to uw-vets@uwyo.edu: full name; military affiliation (if applicable); phone number; and preferred slots to read. If there is no time preference, one will be assigned.

VSC will work to honor requested times, but times will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Snacks, lunch and drinks will be provided for all volunteers and participants.

For more information about the event, call the VSC at (307) 766-6908, email uw-vets@uwyo.edu, or email Martinez at mmarti77@uwyo.edu.