WILLIMANTIC — Eastern Connecticut State University will open its annual Veterans Day ceremony to the public Wednesday, November 11, with a free program beginning at 9 a.m. in the Student Center.
Air Force senior noncommissioned officer Andrew “Drew” DiSilvestro Jr., a 2011 Eastern graduate and CEO of AmeriTech Contracting, will give the keynote address. The university says he will discuss military service, leadership and the values that have guided his work in the armed forces and construction.
The program includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem performed by Eastern’s Chamber Singers, reflections from Pastor Paul Doyle and remarks from university President Karim Ismaili. Angela Bazin, Eastern’s director of wellness education outreach and veteran affairs, and student Michael Hemmings will open the ceremony.
Visitors who need disability accommodations should contact Bazin at bazina@easternct.edu as early as possible before the event. The university’s event flyer cautions that accommodations may be unavailable without sufficient advance notice.