Albany State University, along with the City of Albany, will honor all military men and women, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at a special 11 a.m. Veterans Day ceremony.  The event, “Bridging the Community,” will include the Broad Avenue Memorial Bridge dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Broad Avenue and Front Street, downtown Albany.

“Bridging the community means building stronger town and gown relationships,” said Clifford Porter, executive assistant to the president for government and community relations. “Being a part of community events like the bridge dedication is just the beginning of what we believe will be a stronger relationship between the community and its university.”

This year’s celebration will feature guest speaker retired U.S. Army Commander James “Jimmy” Blaylock, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient. The ceremony will also include selections of military service songs from each U.S. military branch including the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force presented by the ASU Brass Ensemble under the direction of Michael Martin.

Additionally, there will be a 3-volley salute, which consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times.  

“Veteran’s Day gives us recognition for serving the country, for being willing to give the ultimate sacrifice which is giving your life for freedom,” said Retired U.S. Navy Commander Claven Williams.

Williams, who also serves as the ASU Military Liaison, said we are taking the Veterans Day Celebration to another level by collaborating with the city in support of our Veterans.

“ASU is Albany's university and together we will help to grow our region of the state,” Porter said.