Jim Holbrook, a law professor and Vietnam veteran.
The U campus will pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of military veterans—including the more than 1,100 veterans enrolled or working as faculty and staff—with a series of Veterans Day events.
Among the veterans whose stories are being highlighted this week: Jim Holbrook, a law professor and Vietnam veteran, who describes himself as being on a “karmic journey of redemption” after his years of service.
Note: As part of our commemoration activities, you will hear several cannon shots from outside the Union Building on Friday—three at approximately 9 a.m., one at 11 a.m., and 21 at noon. The noise and smoke are part of the University of Utah’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Please announce this to your classes and staff to avoid unnecessary alarm about the noise.
[bs_well size=”sm”]Thursday, Nov. 10
Film screening and panel discussion: 12:15 p.m.
S.J. Quinney College of Law
Holbrook is featured in a new documentary released to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, “The Journey Home.” The film, produced by sisters Sharlene Hawkes and Elayne Harmer, explores the treatment of veterans who returned home after serving in the Vietnam War.
A free screening of the film will take place Thursday from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the S.J. Quinney College of Law. A panel discussion featuring veterans of the Vietnam War who are also graduates of the College of Law. The panel will discuss the ethical dilemmas raised by treatment of Vietnam veterans—and how many of these issues are still relevant today.[/bs_well]
[bs_well size=”sm”]Friday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day Commemoration: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Union Building Ballroom, 200 S. Central Campus Drive
On Friday, the U’s annual Veterans Day commemoration will explore Native American military service. The panel discussion on the legacy of Native American military service begins at 8:30 a.m. The panel will begin with a presentation of the colors by the Utah Intertribal Veterans Association, accompanied by an honor song performed by Red Sky, a drum group from the Ute Tribe of Utah.
A full-dress military ceremony and cannon salute, proceeded by a bagpiper procession from the Marriott Library to the Union Ballroom, will honor 11 Utah veterans at 11 a.m. France A. Davis, an Air Force veteran and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, is the guest speaker.[/bs_well]
[bs_well size=”sm”]Friday, Nov. 11
Free Veterans Day Concert: 7 p.m.
Jon M. Huntsman Center
The 61st Veterans Day concert, which is free to the public, will feature the Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band and combined high school choirs from the Granite School District.[/bs_well]