The Student Veterans of America UT Chapter will host today an American flag retirement ceremony outside the Lancelot Thompson Student Union.

The University of Toledo students will share the history of the flag, the proper way to dispose of a flag that is no longer suitable for display, and preside over the retirement of several American flags at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 on the steps outside the Union.

The flag retirement ceremony is part of a series of events at the University to honor veterans and active military for their service.

The 12th annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11 in Savage Arena. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp, a Vietnam veteran who received the Bronze Star for his service as a combat medic, will give a keynote address for the appreciation event on Veterans Day that includes a breakfast and fair to provide the community access to military-focused resources.

Two World War II veterans — Army Sgt. Richard Perry, UT professor emeritus, and Pfc. David Schwartz — also will be awarded the French Legion of Honor, the highest award that can be bestowed by the French government. Consul General Vincent Floreani from the French Consulate in Chicago will present the honors to the local veterans designating them as models of French civic service.

Following the annual appreciation event, UT also will unveil new markers at the UT Veterans Memorial Plaza, an outdoor area that honors individuals and groups who served in the U.S. military. The new Gold Star Memorial and Blue Star Memorial markers pay tribute to the Gold Star families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price defending the country and to those Blue Star families who have defended, are defending, or will defend the United States of America.

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