Belmont Celebrates Service, Sacrifice and Community During Veterans Week 2026

Campus events, personal stories and service initiatives highlight the many ways military service continues to shape the lives of Belmont students and their families

As Belmont observes Veterans Week Nov. 9-14, the University is bringing together students, faculty and staff to honor veterans, active-duty service members and military families while creating opportunities for the campus community to learn from their experiences.   

"Veterans Week is an opportunity for our Belmont community to come together in recognition of the service, sacrifice and contributions of our military-connected students, faculty and staff," said Kim Powell, director of the Office of Adult Degree Programs and Veteran Success. "Through these events, we hope to not only honor those who have served, but also build greater understanding, connection and support for our military community and their families." 

The week began Monday with “Honoring Service, Building Connection,” featuring retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Eden Murrie and Bruin Vets President Johnny Lehto II. Approximately 75 students, faculty and staff attended the gathering, which concluded with Belmont's second annual flag-planting tribute in Freedom Plaza. Participants planted flags in honor of veterans and service members, creating a visual display of gratitude and remembrance. 

Belmont also highlighted members of its military-connected community throughout the week through its Stories of Service initiative and student-led Instagram takeovers. Army veteran Johnny Lehto II and Navy veteran Sam McMahan shared glimpses of their Belmont experiences while offering insight into the transition from military service to university life. 

For Lehto, that transition has been strengthened by the relationships and opportunities he has found at Belmont. 

"Belmont provides veterans invaluable one-on-one time with faculty who genuinely invest in our individual backgrounds and career goals," he said. "Paired with the University's deep network across Nashville, it's a perfect home for veterans." 

McMahan, a music business student and Navy veteran, echoed those sentiments. 

"I am so grateful to be at Belmont," McMahan said. "I was working in the industry for a couple years before deciding to utilize my GI Bill. It was the best decision I have made in the last decade, aside from joining the Navy. The community here is unlike anything I've experienced thus far. I feel valued and respected, and I feel like I'm learning exactly what I need to progress, improve and ultimately grow." 

On Veterans Day, the University hosted “Letters to Military Service Members: From Belmont with Gratitude” in the Beaman Student Life Center. Approximately 245 students, faculty and staff participated by writing notes of encouragement and appreciation to deployed service members around the world. 

Student veteran Eric Robinson, who recently transitioned from active duty, spoke during the event about the impact letters from home can have on service members stationed far from family and friends.  

"It was a shock, albeit a pleasant surprise, to witness the large turnout for the letter writing event," Robinson said. "This is my first Veterans Day and Veterans Week on Belmont's campus as I just came off active duty in August. It's nice to see and feel the support of the student body and faculty as we start and continue to assimilate back into civilian life." 

That evening, Belmont participated in Operation Green Light, illuminating the Bell Tower and Freedom Plaza fountain in green to demonstrate support for veterans and military families and to ensure their service and sacrifices remain visible within the community.  

The week continued Thursday with the “Thanking Those Who Served Luncheon” at the Bruin Vets Center. The gathering brought together student veterans, active-duty service members, ROTC cadets, military-connected students and Belmont faculty and staff who have served. Guests were encouraged to represent their branch of service, share stories and connect with one another over lunch. The event was sponsored by Edley's BBQ and Truist Bank and coordinated by Belmont Athletics. 

On Friday, members of the Belmont community are invited to participate in R.E.D. Friday, or "Remember Everyone Deployed," by wearing red in recognition of deployed military service members and their families. The annual initiative serves as a reminder that those serving away from home are not forgotten.  

Veterans Week will conclude Saturday with Military Appreciation Night as Belmont Men's Basketball hosts Furman at the Curb Event Center. Military-connected students will participate throughout the evening's festivities, including the invocation, national anthem and game recognitions. The event also includes a dedicated Bruin Vets seating section and opportunities to celebrate Belmont's military community. 

While Veterans Week includes traditions, ceremonies and campus events, its central purpose remains honoring the individuals and families whose lives have been shaped by military service. Through opportunities to listen, learn and connect, the week serves as a reminder that veterans, active-duty service members and military families remain an important and valued part of the Belmont community, both during Veterans Week and throughout the year.