University of Northern Colorado, Windsor and Severance High schools to host Veterans Day events

Nov. 5—Veterans Day will be observed Friday, Nov. 11 and the University of Northern Colorado, Windsor and Severance High schools and the Weld County Veterans Memorial Association will host events to mark the 84-year-old federal holiday.

Originally recognized as Armistice Day in 1938, Congress approved the name change to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars. Armistice Day was established to honor the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918 and the day is always observed on Nov. 11.

The Weld County Veterans Memorial Association will host a ceremony at 11 a.m.Nov. 11 at Bittersweet Park, located at 35th Avenue and 16th Street in Greeley.

After the ceremony, VFW Post Auxiliary 2121 will host a free soup luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 2514 7th Ave. in Greeley.

Windsor High School will host a ceremony from 10-11 a.m. at the school's event center. U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Hallett will be the guest speaker.

Severance High School is holding an assembly at 2:45 p.m., and it welcomes and encourages all veterans, police and first responders to attend. Participants should arrive at the high school by 2:30 p.m. and they must present a valid identification.

The school is also holding a fundraiser for Operation Homefront, an organization providing financial assistance to veterans in need. To donate, go to https://weldre4.revtrak.net/high-schools/severance-high-school/#/v/Veterans-Day-Donations-

At the University of Northern Colorado, the athletics department and veterans' services are working with national nonprofit Feed the Children to hand out 800 care packages to veterans' families in a drive-thru event from 1-4 p.m.

Military families may drive into the Y parking lot near Nottingham Field to receive a variety of nonperishable food items and dried goods, as well as toys, books and games for those who have children, according to a news release from the university.

"If we have military families in need who could appreciate a lift up around this time of year with extra food and support, then we would be more than happy to do our part," said Tim Nellett, the director of UNC's Veterans Services.

Nellett said there are approximately 16,00 veterans living in Weld County and there are 500 veteran and military affiliated students at UNC.

Any leftover care packages will be donated to other organizations including UNC's Bear Pantry, an initiative on campus to assist students in our community who are faced with food insecurity.

This event will be an addition to UNC's Military Appreciation Weekend that also includes recognizing military at the men's basketball game at 6 p.m.Nov. 11, at the football game at noon Nov. 12, and at the volleyball match at 6 p.m.Nov. 12.

The community may also participate in the university's Veterans Services Freedom 5K on Nov. 12. The 3.1-mile event starts at 9 a.m. and raises money for UNC's Veterans' Scholarship Fund. It is also open to walkers, ruckers, children, strollers and four-legged furry friends.

The 5K begins at Roudebush Cottage, the home of veterans services, 1815 8th Ave. Participants are asked to arrive by 8:45. To sign up, go online at www.uncalumni.org/freedom5k

City of Greeley administrative buildings will close and some non-emergency services will not be available.

The Greeley Active Adult Center will be closed. Several city recreation and golf amenities will be open with adjusted hours, according to a news release from the city.

These facilities include: Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave; Family FunPlex, 1501 65th Ave.; Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave.; Highland Hills Golf Course, 2200 Clubhouse Dr.; and Boomerang Links Golf Course, 7309 W 4th St.

Holiday hours for these facilities are available online at greeleygov.com/activities/culture-parks-and-recreation

Greeley-Evans Transit will operate on its regular schedule. Emergency services, including fire and police, will not be impacted.

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