By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Fort Hays State University is set to honor and celebrate active duty military and veterans during Military Appreciation Week Nov. 8-12.
"I love the opportunity to say thank you to our military and of course, Veterans Day gives us the ability to do that, especially for those who are serving now," said Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.
Throughout the week a variety of activities are planned.
"Participants can see a flag and poster display that celebrates our heritage with the connection to the military," Mason said. "That will happen in both the Memorial Union and Fishchli Wills Center for Student Success."
"We also have an opportunity to folks to leave messages in recognition of family members who have answered the call to duty," she said.
As the daughter and sister of a veteran, she said honoring veterans hits home, especially on Veterans Day.
"On Thursday at 11 o'clock we're going to host our annual Veterans Day ceremony on the quad side of the Memorial Union," she said.
During that event, Cpt. Lonnie McIntyre will address the crowd.
"And then at our outstanding, we're going to win, football game on Saturday, we will have a Military Appreciation and a Senior Day," Mason said. "I understand from Matt Cook will be managing horses, people and motorcycles for that game so it should be a fun football game."
While Veterans Day is an important time for everyone to remember those who have served, the FHSU-military connection makes celebrating them even more relevant for the university.
"We have a strong connection with the military, military programs, and other ways that we work with our service members of whom we, for whom we are very, very grateful," Mason said.