New Mexico State University will celebrate the contributions of all U.S. military personnel and veterans during various events on Military Appreciation Day Saturday, Nov. 9, on the NMSU campus. The celebration will lead up to the Aggie football game at 1:30 p.m. against Boston College at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
"New Mexico State University has a long and proud history with the U.S. military," said NMSU President Garrey Carruthers. "Countless numbers of NMSU students and alumni have served in our nation's military for the past 125 years, and our Army and Air Force ROTC programs are some of the oldest organizations on campus. NMSU is committed to our service men and women not only on Veteran's Day, but in the permanent resources we provide."
NMSU Army ROTC cadets will perform a flag raising ceremony at 7 a.m. Saturday on the NMSU Horseshoe with the university's new garrison flag. The flag is 20 feet by 38 feet and will fly until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Veteran's Day. The flag also will be flown on other special occasions, such as July 4th, Flag Day, President's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, the annual NMSU ROTC Pass and Review, among others.
Additionally, the New Mexico State Athletics Department announced Wednesday that it will offer active military personnel and veterans a special $1 ticket price for Saturday's game against Boston College. This special offer will be limited to two tickets per person. Tickets will be available starting Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium or at the Pan American Center Ticket Office.
Other in-game events surrounding Military Appreciation Day include a pregame flag ceremony during the Pride March Band performance, regional military base commanders who will be honored on the field, military equipment displays/demos before the game in the tailgate area, video clips of NM State veterans during the game and the NMSU Pride March Band will play patriotic music during pregame and halftime.