The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is proud to host the 2025 Veterans Week celebration.

This annual event features a week of programming that educates and celebrates the experiences and sacrifice of those who have served our country. All events are free and are open to the entire university community and to the general public unless otherwise noted. We encourage you to attend as many of these events as you can.

If you have any questions about this year’s events, please email Philip Larson, program director for U-M Veteran and Military Services, at [email protected].

Events

Friday, November 7

VETx

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST

Ross School of Business, Robertson Auditorium

Every year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Ross School of Business Armed Forces Association hosts a series of veteran speakers sharing the experiences that made them the leaders that they are today. VETx is your chance to connect with the men and women of the Ross veteran community and to hear about some of the hardest earned lessons and insights in the entire Ross student body. This year we are back to a live, in-person event featuring a series of long and short stories from veteran MBA students.

Saturday, November 8

Marine Corps/Navy Birthday Ball

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

Richard L. Postma Family Clubhouse

Invitation Only

The University of Michigan’s Navy ROTC celebrates 250 years of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with food, conversations, and dancing! Invitations will be sent to all Navy and Marine Corps veterans and active duty faculty/staff and students. This event is sponsored by the University of Michigan Navy ROTC and Veteran and Military Services.

Monday, November 10

Green Zone Training

10:00 am - 1:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Michigan Room

Invitation Only

Veteran and Military Services present a half day symposium focusing on military service and transitioning out of the military as it relates to military-connected students. Sessions include Military 101, Myths and Stereotypes of Military Service, VA Healthcare and VA Benefits, and Resources for Military-connected Students.

Military Family Panel

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Conference Room 4

This engaging conversation will feature members of the University of Michigan community who come from military families. Panelists will share their personal experiences, insights, and the unique perspectives that come with being part of a military-connected family. 

Global War on Terrorism

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Kalamazoo Room

The time period from the moment on Sept. 11, 2001, when the U.S. was attacked, to the present day has been defined as a global war on terror. Unlike previous wars and conflicts, and much like the Cold War of the last century, this war’s boundaries, objectives, end, and even enemies have been elusive to pin down. It has resulted in two wars, many smaller conflicts, and many lives lost. In this panel, we hear from the men and women who have served during this era.

Tuesday, November 11

Flag Raising on the Diag

8:00 am - 8:30 am EST

Central Campus Diag

Join us for the ceremonial raising of the flag. This tradition is done each day at every military base and station across the U.S. and around the world. Come and join us as we respect those who continue to serve their country and those who have served by participating in this important tradition.

Veteran/Military Appreciation Lunch

11:00 am - 2:00 pm EST

Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom

Invitation Only

If you have served or are serving in the military we want to thank you for your service to our country with a drop-in luncheon!  Formal remarks will take place from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Afghanistan and Iraq Veteran Panel

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Michigan Union, Pond

From Oct. 7, 2001 to Aug. 30, 2021 the U.S. was engaged in its longest conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both wars changed our country forever. For our military members the changes were external with over 7,000 deaths. But more shocking is the invisible wounds of over 30,000 suicides of post 9/11 veterans. In this panel, we will hear from those who served in these conflicts. What did they experience in the military, why did they join the military, what has their military to civilian transition been like, and what are their hopes for the future?

Wednesday, November 12

Veteran Disability and Claims

10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Michigan Union, Pond

The Washtenaw County DVA assists veterans, their survivors and dependents, file claims for benefits from federal, state, and local governments that may result in disability compensation, VA pension/survivors pension, and education benefits. They also help with financial assistance (emergency relief), rent/mortgage, food, utilities, transportation needs, and more. If you are a veteran, a loved one is a veteran, or soon to become one, this session is for you.

Women in the Military Panel

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Koessler

Even before WWI, women have served vital supportive roles in the U.S. military. Now women are serving alongside their male counterparts in some of the most dangerous work in the military. Often they have to overcome sexist stereotypes, sexual harassment, or worse, all while serving their country. Come and hear their stories of perseverance, grit, and courage when they honorably served in the U.S. military.  Hosted by Jeffer Lamb, U.S Marine Corps (Retired).

Undergraduate Student Panel

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Kalamazoo

What do students who have served in the military think about their experiences at U-M? What made them join the military? What did they do while they were in the military? What was their transition from military to U-M like? These are just some of the questions you will hear answered by a group of students who have served in the U.S. military and are now studying at the University of Michigan!

Thursday, November 13

Vietnam Veteran Panel

10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Michigan Union, Kuenzel

This is a chance to hear four Vietnam veterans talk about their experiences during that controversial war and how they were treated when they returned home. Their remarkable stories of service, sacrifice, and perseverance will change how you look at the Vietnam War and the men and women who served there. Hosted by Lawrence Dolph, Vietnam infantryman turned Vietnam army correspondent.

Graduate Student Panel

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Michigan Union, Kuenzel

Join us for a conversation with graduate student veterans, students who are integral to Michigan’s campus. The panel features graduate student veterans sharing their experiences in service and as students, with opportunities for attendees to engage in discussions during the session. Discover how graduate student veterans apply their skills and experiences to their studies and research. This event invites fellow student veterans to connect and learn about the resources available at the university. We encourage you to listen, ask questions, and build a community. 

VA Benefits and Healthcare

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Britt Tyrrell from VA Healthcare and Jon Cugini from VA Benefits will answer questions about the nearby VA hospital, healthcare eligibility, benefits for veterans and dependents, and VA educational benefits.

Friday, November 14

LGBTQ+ in the Military

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST

Michigan League, Kalamazoo

Since 1778, when Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin became the first servicemember dismissed from the military for homosexuality, persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender have faced discrimination in the military. Since the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", LGBTQ+ service members have been allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, and federal benefits have been extended to cover their dependents. Come hear veterans talk about their service, sacrifice, and discrimination they faced while serving their country.