By Jennifer Paugh, Canton campus president, and John Willis, Houston campus president
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp)
With its origin dating back to the end of World War I, Veterans Day is officially celebrated each year on November 11. MIAT College of Technology campuses in Canton near Detroit and in Houston will be closed this Wednesday in honor of all U.S. military veterans.
Our campuses are “veteran friendly,” meaning that we welcome U.S. military veterans into our programs and encourage them to fully access the Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits that they have earned. Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits typically include assistance with tuition, fees, books, tools, computers, and housing. Veterans, recent high school graduates, and career changers who enroll in our wind energy technician, welding, non-destructive testing, and industrial maintenance programs can become workplace ready in less than 12 months.
More information about Post 9/11 GI benefits are available at www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/.
Essential workers and first responders have garnered the attention that they rightfully deserve during this coronavirus pandemic, which continues to be an ongoing challenge for Americans. MIAT’s programs address critical needs for aviation mechanics, wind tower and turbine technicians, non-destructive testing technicians, welders, HVACR technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, and other critical roles that keep our society and our economy functioning.
Check out encouraging statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for veterans and others who know that a traditional four-year university program is not for them, who want to “climb above the cubicle,” and pursue “hands on” career and technical education and training that gets them ready to work as soon as possible! (Please see www.bls.gov.)
We salute all U.S. veterans, living and deceased. We thank our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our safety and for our freedom. We are honored to support veterans in pursuing their career goals and moving them forward efficiently, effectively, and safely to graduation and gainful employment. We know that the education and training our students receive today will have a long-lasting, positive impact for them as well as many generations of their family members.
Please visit www.miat.edu for information about our programs, to schedule an actual or virtual tour, or to arrange a conversation with one of our career advisors.
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