BGSU honors service of veterans, military members during weeklong events

BGSU ranks No. 2 in the nation - No. 1 in the Midwest - as top university for veterans, active military students

Each November, Bowling Green State University honors the sacrifice of those who have served, and are currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.

As the No. 2 university in the nation - and No. 1 in the Midwest - for veteran and active military students, BGSU students, faculty and staff spent Veterans Day week recognizing the service of military members with multiple events on campus.

University photographers Craig Bell, Justin Camuso-Stall, Haven Conn and student interns captured the reflective moments on campus.

Supporting veteran, military students

The University honored veteran and active military students before kickoff at the BGSU football game Nov. 9, an annual Heroes Night tradition that includes a large American flag being displayed by students in the end zone

BGSU senior Hunter Woods, president of the University's chapter of Student Veterans of America and a sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard, was also honored as a part of the night's ceremonies.

In its 2022 rankings, Military Times ranked BGSU No. 2 in the nation - and No. 1 in the Midwest - for veterans and active military students.

Rankings are based on the results of a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement, according to the publication.

The University's personalized, student-centered approach and services - like tutoring and a student veteran center equipped with computers and free printing - sets BGSU apart from other colleges and universities.

Reflecting on service and sacrifice

Members of the BGSU chapter of the Student Veterans of America lined the sidewalks leading to the University's Veterans Memorial with American and Armed Forces flags.

Last year, BGSU dedicated its Veterans Memorial, which stands in Carillon Park outside the Jerome Library.

The BGSU Veterans Memorial features five pillars — representing branches of the U.S. military — inscribed with the names of alumni and student service members who died while in service to their country. The memorial includes 112 names, ranging from WWI to the global war on terror in Afghanistan.

The memorial is open year-round and serves as a place where people can pause and reflect on the selfless service of those in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Honoring those who served

Led by Woods, Student Veterans of America members created a display in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union to honor prisoners of war and those declared missing in action. The table, referred to as a POW/MIA or missing man table, serves as a solemn reminder to recognize the sacrifice and service of those who never made it home.

Set with a white cloth, the table features a single lit candle, a red rose in a vase with a ribbon tied around it, an inverted glass and a plate with a slice of lemon and a small amount of salt - symbolizing the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land and the tears of the missing and their families.

A single, empty chair is pulled out next to the table. The table will remain on display through the weekend.