UTPA site of nation???s 7th college veterans memorial

EDINBURG ? Water quietly trickled down a rock fountain on a Thursday morning in early December at the University of Texas-Pan American?s wildscape garden east of the chapel.
The soft noise granted all the fanfare accompanying the university?s small ceremony to install a new veterans memorial plaque at the newly-named Veterans Memorial Garden.
?This is only the seventh such memorial in the nation?at an institution of higher education,? said Noel Ysasi, manager of UTPA?s Veterans Services Center.
?This is all one-and-a-half years? worth of effort,? he said. ?We fought tooth and nail to make sure we had something here. But the university president and everyone agreed this was needed to commemorate those who have served our country.?
Physical plant workers dusted an unadorned stone base before securing the large metal plaque, which featured two saluting armed forces members and the seals of each branch of service.
?This garden is to recognize the students, faculty, staff and alumni who, through their bravery and sacrifice, have so proudly dedicated themselves to their country,? the plaque reads. ?We also acknowledge the families that have supported their loved ones through their time of service and ongoing commitment.?
Ysasi said the plaque and garden cap UTPA?s new ?military friendly? designation, awarded last month, which highlights special services granted to the university?s more than 700 veterans. Those services include a specific academic advisor, veteran-geared counselors and priority registration.

Source: http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/memorial-97227-nation-site.html

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