As our nation approaches Veterans Day, the Student Veterans of America UT Chapter is scheduled to retire several American flags Friday, Nov. 7, at 11:30 a.m. near the front steps of the Student Union.

“The American flags that we will be retiring are torn, tattered and/or faded — they are no longer suitable for display,” said Joshua Ortiz, a Marine Corps reservist and president of the Student Veterans of America UT Chapter. “This is the first such ceremony conducted on our campus, and we thought it would be a fitting tribute to retire the flags near Veterans Day.”

According the United States Flag Code, when an American flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

In conjunction with the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning’s nontraditional student recognition week, the ceremony will include:

• The presentation of colors by The University of Toledo Army ROTC Battalion;
• Singing of the national anthem by UT student Lauren Kerr;
• Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance;
• Welcome by Joshua Ortiz, a Marine Corps reservist and president of the Student Veterans of America UT Chapter;
• Remarks by guest speaker retired Army Brig. Gen. Lance Talmage;
• Flag disposal ceremony; and
• Closing comments.

Following the ceremony, the Student Veterans of America UT Chapter will host an obstacle course on courts four and five in the Student Recreation Center. Following the obstacle course, the chapter and the Ohio Army National Guard will provide complimentary pizza and refreshments.

The University of Toledo has been named a military friendly school for six consecutive years by G.I. Jobs, and remains committed to helping service members, veterans and families transition from military service to the classroom and beyond.

For more information, contact Navy Reserve Lt. Haraz N. Ghanbari, The University of Toledo’s military liaison, at 419.530.4137.