Monday, November 11 is Veterans Day, a time to pay respect and honor the country’s military veterans. This day commemorates veterans of all wars, living and deceased. The University expresses its profound appreciation to faculty, staff and students who have served in the country’s armed forces. 

In observance of the holiday, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) facilities will be closed, and students and employees are encouraged to take part in national and community ceremonies and activities. Looking for a meaningful way to honor veterans and get involved? Here is a list of suggestions to consider.

USAHS is committed to supporting veterans through a number of past and current activities including: 

• Student Veterans of America (SVA) formed on the St. Augustine, FL campus in 2021, with chapters now active on the San Marcos, CA, St. Augustine, FL and Austin, TX campuses.
• USAHS employees built 547 care kits for Operation Gratitude and wrote 522 letters of encouragement during its Week of Service.
• Student veterans are encouraged to sing the national anthem or carry the U.S. flag during each term’s commencement proceedings. 
• SVA recently partnered with nonprofit Steps 4 Love to enhance support for amputee veterans and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The San Marcos, CA Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) continues to work closely with Fisher House San Diego on ongoing activities and efforts to support military and veteran families.
• SVA and SOTA held a summer cookout for all St. Augustine, FL students to honor military members and families. 

Be on the lookout for upcoming activities from the University’s chapters of SVA, both this month and throughout the year. Some in the upcoming week include:

• Write thank-you notes and post photos for veterans November 4–10 on the San Marcos campus (student snack area Building C).
• Place a virtual flag on the Veterans Day map November 4–11 on the Veterans of Foreign Wars website (hosted by San Marcos SVA and open to all).
• Stop by Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, November 7 at the St. Augustine, FL campus Academic building lobby to purchase a popsicle for 22 cents. Donations support Operation 22, a nonprofit with a mission to stop veteran suicide.

Please reference the Academic Calendar for academic holidays or closures. The next University holidays are Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving (Note: classes will end at Noon local time, and campus facilities close at 3 p.m. local time Wednesday, November 27).