TACOMA — On Thursday, May 23, UW Tacoma will host an event celebrating those who have served or who are currently serving the country through military service.
Tribute to Our Troops will run from 12:30 to 1:30 at William Philip Hall on the UW Tacoma campus. The event is free and open to the public. Active military, veterans, family members, friends and anyone who wants to recognize the commitment and sacrifice of those in the armed forces are all welcome to attend.
Tacoma-born country music singer Jonathan Harris will make an appearance to sing “Thanks to You I’m Free,” a song he has performed on many occasions in the South Sound region to honor fallen first-responders, and to welcome troops returning from Afghanistan.
Cheri “C.J.” Webb, a 2004 graduate of UW Tacoma’s Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences program, will speak about her 22 years of service in the U.S. Army and the role that UW Tacoma has played in her life post-service. Webb was nominated for UW’s Distinguished Alumni Veteran award in 2012.
Specially minted just for this celebration is this year’s UW Tacoma challenge coin. The front of the coin features a large purple “W” floating above a bas-relief of the power-house portion of the Snoqualmie building, with the words “University of Washington Tacoma” around the edge. On the reverse, the seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard appear against a waving U.S. flag, surrounded by the words “Thank you for your sacrifice and service.” The coins will be available only at this event.
Historic U.S. military uniforms will be on display and refreshments will be served.
What: Tribute to Our Troops – A UW Tacoma Tribute to Honor Our Service Men and Women
When: 12:30 to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2013
Where: William T. Philip Hall, UW Tacoma campus
Free, but registration is requested: www.tacoma.uw.edu/calendar/tribute-our-troops