University of Connecticut |
Item of the Month
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Connecticut Agricultural College, Armistice Day Bonfire, November 1919
The University of Connecticut has had a military presence on campus almost from its inception; a presence that remains strong to this day. Involved with the ROTC program since 1916, UConn was a training ground for engineers during World War II and has continued that tradition with numerous other programs and activities.
This year marks the culmination of the University of Connecticut Alumni Association’s yearlong effort to craft a fitting tribute to honor our alumni who have fallen while serving in the armed forces of our nation. In November 2008, the Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial was dedicated. Located on the Lawn to the east of the Wilbur Cross Building, the Memorial is constructed of brick, limestone and marble, and features a patio and handcrafted "eternal flame." The marble headstone is drawn from the same quarry used for Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The headstone is a replica of that used at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Roll of Honor was unveiled and dedicated during Reunion weekend activities on June 6, 2009. The ceremony, which included the reading of the names of 131 University of Connecticut alumni collected to date, was especially poignant as it was also the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion of Europe during World War II. The list of names is a collaborative effort of many people but the resources available in the University Archives provided a substantial portion as well as assisting in the research for the profiles intended for the planned website.
On November 10, 2009, as part of this year’s Veteran’s Day Observance, the Alumni Association announced the Roll of Honor website (http://uconnalumni.com/rollofhonor/) which provides a history of the project, photographs of associated events, the list of the fallen and information on how to submit additional names.
And to all our veterans, alumni or not, Thank you.
For more information on materials in the University Archives, contact Betsy Pittman, University Archivist.