Veterans Day Roll Call Event at UW Seeking Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to read the names of military members who died serving their country for a Veterans Day event scheduled Thursday, Nov. 11, at the University of Wyoming.

The UW Marna M. Kuehne Foundation 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 beginning at 8:02 a.m.

“Each year, since 2011, the National Roll Call project helps to expand this grassroots effort to make Veterans Day on every campus a special time of appreciation and reflection,” says Marty Martinez, senior project coordinator for the VSC and UW Veterans Program. “The roll call’s broad approach honors those who have served and are serving as well as the fallen.”

The VSC is seeking volunteers to read 7,040 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 and community volunteers.

“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 when signing up. Also, include a first and second choice time block on the volunteer application email,” Martinez says. “In the spirit of Veterans Day, we invite our volunteers to include the names of military and veteran family members and friends as well.”

To volunteer, email the following information to vetserve@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. Group time slots can be requested for an office, department or group.

The VSC will work to honor requested times, but times will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The VSC will provide a light lunch and drinks for those reading during the lunch hour.

The event begins with the presentation of the colors, the national anthem and a short speech. A moment of silence, to coincide with other roll call events nationwide, will be observed at noon. The UW event will end at about 7:45 p.m. or when all of the names have been read. At the conclusion, taps will be played along with the retiring of the colors.

For more information about the event or to secure a scheduled time, call the VSC at (307) 766-6908 or email Martinez at mmarti77@uwyo.edu.