On Thursday, Nov. 6, the University of the District of Columbia gathered in Heritage Hall at the Van Ness Campus for the 19th Annual Veterans Day observance, under this year's theme, “Service to Our Nation.”
President Maurice D. Edington welcomed guests and affirmed the university’s commitment to veterans beyond symbolic recognition.
“Here at UDC, we are committed to giving back to those who have given so much — through education, hands-on training and opportunities that support your next chapter of service and success,” he said.
Retired Army Col. Charlette Woodard, DC Department of Public Works, acknowledged the significance of honoring veterans, while Natalee S. Snider, director of the Mayor’s Office of Caribbean Affairs and an active-duty U.S. Air Force member, recognized the contributions of service members across the District. Comcast’s Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs Mona Dexter acknowledged the importance of this observance.
This year’s keynote speaker, US Army Captain Angelena C. Garland, who also spoke at the 2022 observance, was elated to return. "It’s great to be back at the University of the District of Columbia. It feels nostalgic to be in this esteemed place,” she said.
Garland has served in the Army for over 16 years. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, she graduated from EC Glass High School in 2009. In 2014, she was selected for the Army Green to Gold Program and graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. In 2017, Garland was commissioned into the US Army Adjutant General Corps as a RANK (2LT?). Her awards and decorations include the Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
During her remarks, Captain Garland encouraged all veterans to share their stories of “service and sacrifice.”
“Our stories can make a difference,” she emphasized. “These are not just stories about service; these are our stories about sacrifices as well because all of us have sacrificed something.”
Closing remarks were delivered by Sequoyah D. Adebayo, director of UDC’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, who recognized participants and presented a commemorative plaque to Garland.
As Captain Garland reminded attendees, service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves into the ways we continue to serve our communities and one another.