Veterans Week

Galloway, N.J. – The Military & Veterans Success Center of Stockton University invites the community to participate in a week of programming in recognition of Veterans Week from Saturday, Nov. 8, to Friday, Nov. 14.

Here is a full list of programming:

Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Veterans Day Concert 

Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:30 p.m., Stockton’s Performing Arts Center

The musical salute will include Aaron Copland; “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Greg Gilpin, Larry Clark (arr.); “Armed Forces: The Pride of America - A Tribute to all Veterans of the Armed Forces” by James Grant; “Tribute” by Rodgers/Bennett; “Oklahoma Medley;” James Kimo Williams; “Fanfare for Life” by John Phillips Sousa; “Liberty Bell March” by John Phillips Sousa; “Stars and Stripes Forever” by Antonin Dvorak; and “Symphony No. 9 From the New World Symphony.”

The Veterans Day Concert is free to all, but advanced reservation tickets are required to attend. 


Faces of Stockton’s Military Community Photograph Project 

Monday, Nov. 10 – Friday, Nov. 14 | All day, Campus Center Coffeehouse

Not all veterans and service members are alike, and through this project, Stockton’s community will be able to see how some of its military-affiliated students, faculty and staff choose to represent themselves while highlighting the differences in their military affiliation and jobs, academic majors and/or positions on campus. 


Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony 

Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m., Campus Center Grand Hall and Zoom

An enduring Stockton tradition, the Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony typically includes a rendition of the National Anthem, speeches by individuals from the MVSC and MASS and a keynote address by a prominent member of the military community. 


Military Gear Review and Layout 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 13 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., F-wing Lower Gallery Atrium

Curated by student veterans and military-affiliated staff, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the functionality, purpose and significance of the gear that supports military operations.

From tactical vests and helmets to communication devices and survival tools, each item will be accompanied by explanations and personal stories that highlight its role in real-world missions.


Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) Tasting

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 12:30 - 2 p.m., Independence Plaza

Students will sample the same food military personnel eat during training and deployments in this unique experience hosted by the MVSC and MASS.

Military-affiliated students and veterans will be on hand to share stories and explain the history, purpose and evolution of MREs. From heating elements to shelf-stable entrees, participants will learn how these meals are designed to sustain troops in the most demanding conditions.


Ruck March

Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 a.m., Sports Center Track

Students are invited to participate in an event that offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about military culture, physical endurance and the camaraderie that defines service life.

A “ruck march” is a military tradition of carrying a weighted backpack, symbolizing the physical and mental challenges faced by service members.

Participants will walk a designated campus route while engaging in conversation with student veterans who will share personal stories, insights and reflections from their time in service.


"Warfare" Movie Screening

Friday, Nov. 14 | 12 – 2 p.m., Campus Center Theatre

The MVSC and MASS will host a screening of the 2025 film “Warfare,” described as a “hyper-realistic portrayal of a Navy SEAL platoon’s mission in Iraq.”

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who serve through this film screening. Viewer discretion is advised.


Annual Ceremony Honors the Contribution of Vets and Their Families

November 6, 2024 

Student veteran and president of Military-Affiliated Students of Stockton, Michael Smalling, gave a stirring speech during Nov. 6's Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony.
Student veteran and president of Military-Affiliated Students of Stockton, Michael Smalling, gave a stirring speech during Nov. 6's Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony.

Galloway, N.J. – The Military and Veteran Success Center of Stockton University commemorated Veterans Day, which is nationally celebrated on Nov. 11, with a week of celebrations that included a Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony in the Campus Center Grand Hall on Nov. 6.

The annual ceremony’s speeches emphasized two major themes — the importance of learning from and honoring the past and the profound impact of familial support for those who are or have served.

Maj. Steven Mares (Ret.), a senior Army instructor for Central Regional High School's JROTC program, served as this year’s guest speaker.