Reinhardt University’s Office of Student Activities will host a special Veterans Day event Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Bannister Glasshouse, Hasty Student Center. The event is open to the public. It will feature Jim Lindenmayer, director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program, the Cherokee High School ROTC color guard and Reinhardt’s School of the Performing Arts.
Reinhardt President Dr. Kina S. Mallard will give a welcome and Student Body President Katie Purcell will introduce the speakers. Michael Satterly Sr., vice commander for American Legion Post 316 in Woodstock, joins Lindenmayer as a guest speaker.
“Student Activities understands the importance of helping and commemorating our veterans,” said junior Business Administration and Management major Kristen Holder. “We hope through our program that Reinhardt students, as well as the community, will have a better understanding of veterans. We also hope to raise awareness of issues veterans are facing today.”
In addition to the program, Reinhardt University has a bigger mission of partnering with the Cherokee Homeless Veterans Program to serve the County’s veterans in different ways.
“There is a coat drive underway on campus to collect as many coats as we can for homeless veterans for the winter,” Holder said. “The drive will end with the Veterans Day Ceremony.”
Students also will participate in veterans’ home repair projects on Saturday, Nov. 12.
Through the partnership with Lindenmayer and the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program and American Legion Post 45 in Canton, all branches will be represented at the ceremony.
“There will be a POW MIA table setting ceremony,” Holder added.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a member of Reinhardt’s School of Performing Arts will play Taps.
“This is an important even because it commemorates our veterans. It is vital to understand and appreciate the sacrifices they have made for us,” Holder said.
