FGCU Salutes Service and Sacrifice Week
FGCU Salutes Service and Sacrifice Week FGCU America 250: Service & Sacrifice Week is a powerful week-long celebration honoring the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our nation. From November 9–13, Florida Gulf Coast University will bring together students, faculty, staff, veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, military families, community leaders, and partners for a meaningful series of events recognizing 250 years of American service, courage, and sacrifice. Throughout the week, attendees will experience military traditions, inspiring stories, patriotic ceremonies, demonstrations, community partnerships, and opportunities to connect with those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. Whether you have worn the uniform, supported someone who has, or simply value the freedoms we share, Service & Sacrifice Week is an opportunity for the entire FGCU community to come together, remember our history, honor those who served, and celebrate the legacy we carry forward. Join us as we proudly honor 250 years of service and sacrifice—and the people who made it possible. A Week of Recognition and Remembrance Monday, November 9 – Army Day The week will begin with a celebration of the United States Army, recognizing its history and contributions to our nation's defense. Activities will highlight Army traditions, leadership, service, and the connection between military service and higher education. Model A and Model T Club will celebrate event day with us. Monday- 1000AM Color Guard Ceremony in COHEN 201, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. 1100-4PM Military Vehicles outside of COHEN , Visit Business Vendors and Military Recruiters , Vendors in COHEN 201 , Military Museum Items in COHEN 214 and Much More!! Monday Agenda Pre planning-Vehicle Humvee Ford Model A and Model T COHEN 201- 1100 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks Master of Ceremonies Introduction Recognition of Distinguished Military and Veteran Partners Presentation of Colors Color Guard Presentation ROTC Flag Ceremony National Anthem ( Paige) Pledge of Allegiance ( Quincy Newlon) Invocation / Moment of Reflection ( XXXX) Welcome Remarks Guest Speaker Remarks 12-1 ( COHEN 214 ) ( Lunch and Learn) COL Steve Epkins – Special Operations Veteran SSG Perstad Leveau, Vincent 7 .1200 Welcome to COHEN and Opening Remarks COHEN Center Reception Community Engagement ( 1 st Floor) 11-4pm Talk to a Recruiter Snacks and Drinks Recruiter Table Heritage Museum ( COHEN 214)11-4PM Museum – Naples Museum Punta Gorda Museum – Brotherhood of Heros Network Tables( COHEN 201) 11-4pm IGY6 Veteran/ Dependent and Active Duty Resources Sisters of Arms US Army, US ARMY NG, Marines, Navy Recruiters Veterans of Florida StopSoldierSuicide.org / Military Banner / Caps Tac Medical Lee Health Military Gold Star Mom Blue Star Mom Exonicus Closing Remarks ( 4:00 PM) Final Reflections and Thank You to Veterans, Families, and Community Partners Tuesday, November 10 – Veterans Day Celebration FGCU will host its primary Veterans Day Celebration and Flag-Folding Ceremony at the Veterans Pavilion, including recognition of veterans and service members, patriotic music, remarks from university and community leaders, and the ceremonial folding of the American flag. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of service, sacrifice, duty, and freedom. Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day & FGCU Athletics Recognition FGCU Athletics will recognize veterans and military members during a home athletic event. A military color guard, national anthem, and recognition activities will help bring the university and Southwest Florida communities together in honoring those who have served. Thursday, November 12 – Military & Veterans Community Expo FGCU will host a large-scale Military and Veterans Expo featuring community organizations, veteran service providers, military organizations, government age
Nov9
Date & timeMonday, November 9, 2026 · 10:00 AMEnds 4:00 PM
LocationFGCU Harvey and Janet Cohen Student Union
OrganizerCampus organization
SourceOfficial campus eventsOpen source ↗
Report
FGCU Salutes Service and Sacrifice Week
FGCU Salutes Service and Sacrifice Week FGCU America 250: Service & Sacrifice Week is a powerful week-long celebration honoring the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our nation. From November 9–13, Florida Gulf Coast University will bring together students, faculty, staff, veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, military families, community leaders, and partners for a meaningful series of events recognizing 250 years of American service, courage, and sacrifice. Throughout the week, attendees will experience military traditions, inspiring stories, patriotic ceremonies, demonstrations, community partnerships, and opportunities to connect with those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. Whether you have worn the uniform, supported someone who has, or simply value the freedoms we share, Service & Sacrifice Week is an opportunity for the entire FGCU community to come together, remember our history, honor those who served, and celebrate the legacy we carry forward. Join us as we proudly honor 250 years of service and sacrifice—and the people who made it possible. A Week of Recognition and Remembrance Monday, November 9 – Army Day The week will begin with a celebration of the United States Army, recognizing its history and contributions to our nation's defense. Activities will highlight Army traditions, leadership, service, and the connection between military service and higher education. Model A and Model T Club will celebrate event day with us. Monday- 1000AM Color Guard Ceremony in COHEN 201, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. 1100-4PM Military Vehicles outside of COHEN , Visit Business Vendors and Military Recruiters , Vendors in COHEN 201 , Military Museum Items in COHEN 214 and Much More!! Monday Agenda Pre planning-Vehicle Humvee Ford Model A and Model T COHEN 201- 1100 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks Master of Ceremonies Introduction Recognition of Distinguished Military and Veteran Partners Presentation of Colors Color Guard Presentation ROTC Flag Ceremony National Anthem ( Paige) Pledge of Allegiance ( Quincy Newlon) Invocation / Moment of Reflection ( XXXX) Welcome Remarks Guest Speaker Remarks 12-1 ( COHEN 214 ) ( Lunch and Learn) COL Steve Epkins – Special Operations Veteran SSG Perstad Leveau, Vincent 7 .1200 Welcome to COHEN and Opening Remarks COHEN Center Reception Community Engagement ( 1 st Floor) 11-4pm Talk to a Recruiter Snacks and Drinks Recruiter Table Heritage Museum ( COHEN 214)11-4PM Museum – Naples Museum Punta Gorda Museum – Brotherhood of Heros Network Tables( COHEN 201) 11-4pm IGY6 Veteran/ Dependent and Active Duty Resources Sisters of Arms US Army, US ARMY NG, Marines, Navy Recruiters Veterans of Florida StopSoldierSuicide.org / Military Banner / Caps Tac Medical Lee Health Military Gold Star Mom Blue Star Mom Exonicus Closing Remarks ( 4:00 PM) Final Reflections and Thank You to Veterans, Families, and Community Partners Tuesday, November 10 – Veterans Day Celebration FGCU will host its primary Veterans Day Celebration and Flag-Folding Ceremony at the Veterans Pavilion, including recognition of veterans and service members, patriotic music, remarks from university and community leaders, and the ceremonial folding of the American flag. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of service, sacrifice, duty, and freedom. Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day & FGCU Athletics Recognition FGCU Athletics will recognize veterans and military members during a home athletic event. A military color guard, national anthem, and recognition activities will help bring the university and Southwest Florida communities together in honoring those who have served. Thursday, November 12 – Military & Veterans Community Expo FGCU will host a large-scale Military and Veterans Expo featuring community organizations, veteran service providers, military organizations, government age