November 11, 2020

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

Veterans Day is a special time at Drexel as we honor the millions of women and men who served in the United States Armed Forces and celebrate the vital role our military plays in keeping the nation safe and free. Our virtual celebrations this year are no less heartfelt, as we show deep appreciation for all veterans and, in particular, for Drexel’s nearly 500 student-veterans and more than 200 military dependents.

During the nearly two decades of sustained military action since 9/11, Americans have turned again and again for help in securing our freedoms to those brave citizens who volunteered to serve our country in uniform. Drexel is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School. In addition to our student-veterans, Drexel has thousands of military-affiliated alumni, and our faculty and professional staff include many who have served in the military.

One of the most meaningful ways for Drexel to observe Veterans Day is to salute those who served. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Drexel hosted and participated in a number of events that recognize veterans and military families. This year, Drexel veterans joined in the remote Philadelphia Veterans Parade on Sunday, and the Office of Veteran Student Services and Army ROTC will co-host a remote Veterans Day tribute today at noon, which can be viewed here.

Over the last week, we also continued the tradition of displaying American flags along Market Street on the grass median by LeBow College of Business to represent enrolled veterans. And yesterday, Alumni Relations hosted a screening of the movie “Invisible Warriors,” which details the role of African American “Rosies” in supporting the war effort during World War II. Additional events are listed on the Office of Veteran Student Services website.

For my part, I want to thank all those members of the Drexel community who have served in uniform and acknowledge the valuable contributions they make to our University each and every day. Veteran-students’ military experience, patriotism, character and commitment to others enriches our campus community in so many ways.

I hope you will join me in expressing your gratitude for our veterans’ service to our country.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President