Ithaca's college campuses host Veterans Day observances

An American flag flying at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Omaha Beach. 14850 Photo.

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Ithaca, 10 November 08 -- Cornell University and Ithaca College both have Veterans Day observances scheduled for tomorrow, November 11th. Unlike most Federal holidays, Veterans Day is traditionally observed on the 11th, rather than on the nearest Monday.

Cornell University has changed the location of its ceremony, originally scheduled for the World War I War Memorial on West Campus, to the West Campus courtyard, between the new West Campus dorm buildings. The ceremony will begin at 11am, and will feature retired U.S. Navy Captain James Nault, who will discuss the past and present service of veterans from the Cornell community. A luncheon will follow the event at the Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room.

At Ithaca College, the ceremonies begin at noon at Ford Hall. A joint Ithaca College and Cornell University ROTC Color Guard will present the colors, and David J. West, director of the VA Medical Center in Bath, is the scheduled guest speaker. The Ithaca College Brass Choir, IV voICes, and the Managed Care Blues Band will provide music.

Those coming to the IC event from off campus can park in the Visitor Lot; shuttle buses will provide transportation to and from Ford Hall, in the Whalen Center for Music.

Both Cornell's and Ithaca College's events are free and open to the public.

Tompkins County's annual Veterans Day parade, generally held on the Sunday nearest Veterans Day, was held yesterday in Ithaca.