For those who have a loved one interred at a VA national cemetery or in a state veterans cemetery, the veteran tribute website provides an online place to remember them. Family members can submit a service member’s name, branch of service and date of death to be included on the site. Once the submission is verified, a memorial page is created with photos or military service branch seals if no photo is available. The pages can be shared on social media and emailed, according to Lisa Valentine, program manager of Casualty, Mortuary Affairs and Military Funeral Honors.
The UT Southwestern Veterans Alliance Business Resource Group hosted the 10th annual veteran tribute in November as part of the university’s National Veterans and Military Families Month celebrations. The event was attended by nearly 800 community members who self-identified as veterans, including a contingent from the local JROTC color guard. Shawna Nesbitt, VP of Institutional Opportunity, opened the event with words of appreciation and gratitude for those who served the nation.
The memorial space, designed by the university’s architect emeritus Robert Keller ’73, includes 20 glass panels with quotes that reflect on military service and what it means to be a veteran or service member. The themes of the quotes include service, camaraderie, courage and integrity.
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