A Veterans Day observance, free and open to the public, is planned for 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11. The event is co-organized by the Spirit of Princeton and Princeton University’s veterans‘ community. 

Remarks will be delivered by Jason Mangone, executive director of More in Common US, who began his career as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Mangone directed the Aspen Institute’s Franklin Project and co-authored the bestselling book “Leaders: Myth and Reality.” 

The program will also include an invocation by Brittany Longsdorf, the University’s associate dean of Religious Life, and the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” by Kenneth Grayson, supervisor in Princeton University’s electric shop. Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and Kam Amirzafari, co-chairs of the Spirit of Princeton, will give welcome remarks. Dr. Mary Rorro, psychiatrist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will sing an original composition, followed by the military bugle call, “Taps.” The benediction will be offered by Khalil Abdullah, Princeton’s assistant dean for Muslim Life. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life; the Office of Religious Life; Human Resources; the Office of Community and Regional Affairs; the Princeton University Army ROTC; Rutgers-Princeton University Naval ROTC and Air Force ROTC; Alumni and Friends of Princeton University ROTC; Princeton Veterans Alumni Association; Military and Service Veterans Resource Group; and the Princeton Student Veterans Alliance. The Spirit of Princeton, a Princeton-based non-profit dedicated to producing civic events to honor the nation’s military and flag is also a co-sponsor.