A Tribute to Memorial Day will take place at The University of Findlay at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, on the front lawn of Old Main near the flagpole. The tribute is sponsored by UF organizations and offices including the Student Veteran Association (SVA), Campus Ministries, campus security and the Office of Student Activities and Commuter Student Services, as well as by Clear Channel Radio.

The Findlay Civic Band will welcome community members to the program with patriotic music, and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard will perform the posting of colors. Retired Cpl. Geoffrey Schultz, a recent UF graduate, will welcome guests and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sharinda Welton-Peeler, director of student activities and commuter student services, will sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Will Miller, director of Christian ministry, will offer an invocation, followed by “God Bless America” by the Findlay Civic Band.

A U.S. Army officer will perform the Oath of Enlistment with newly enlisted service men and women from the area. Students in the SVA wanted to include the emotional oath because many people never have the opportunity to experience firsthand the powerful message it sends. Sgt. Luke Olney, current UF student, will read the Soldier’s Prayer following the oath.

The program also includes a Final Roll Call, in which retired U.S. Army soldier John Malacos, Ph.D., and retired Sgt. Howard Radar, campus security officer, will read the names of Hancock County’s fallen heroes. A 21-gun salute and taps, played by Casey Lauger, UF student and daughter of a soldier, will conclude the program.

Military vehicles from the War Memorial Museum will be parked in the driveway on each side of the program area.

“We are encouraging people to prepare their hearts and minds for what the weekend actually stands for, remembering those who have sacrificed and given so that we might have our freedom,” said Welton.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Activities at 419-434-4606.