Memorial Day ceremony to mark D-Day's 80th anniversary

Auburn’s Veterans Resource Center will host a special Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. CT on Cater Lawn. This year’s ceremony will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II.

The ceremony will feature a series of honors and activities designed to remember and celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives for our nation. Highlights of the event will include:

•        Presentation of Colors by the Auburn Naval ROTC.
•        National Anthem performed by an Auburn student veteran.
•        Invocation delivered by Chaplain (CPT) Gary Riddle of the Alabama Army National Guard.
•        Guest Speech by Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton, U.S. Air Force (Retired).
•        Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor fallen servicemembers, with a special tribute to the local Gold Star family of Billy Stelpflug.
•        Playing of Taps

In addition to these commemorations, 2,501 flags will be placed on Cater Lawn to represent each American servicemember who died on D-Day.

Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts and First Lady Tracy Roberts are scheduled to attend, underscoring the university’s commitment to honoring those who have served.

The ceremony is open to the public, and all community members are encouraged to attend to pay their respects and learn more about the significant role Auburn University and its veterans have played in our nation’s military history.

About Auburn University Veterans Resource Center:

The Veterans Resource Center at Auburn University provides support and guidance for veteran students and their families through various programs and services designed to help them succeed in their educational and career endeavors.

For more information about the Memorial Day ceremony, please contact the Veterans Resource Center directly at veterans@auburn.edu.