Spartanburg Methodist College is pleased to announce that this year’s Homecoming celebration will honor military veterans. Homecoming coincides with Veteran’s Day, prompting SMC to put a spotlight on veterans, including the many former and current students who have served their country.

As part of Homecoming, the college will host a Community Veteran’s Day Celebration at 1 p.m. Nov. 11. in Gibbs Auditorium on the SMC campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“We want to remember all of those who have given their lives for our freedoms and our safety,” the SMC Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, said.

SMC Professor of History Dr. Cole Cheek will discuss his ongoing work with the Hub City Veterans Project. “Many veterans haven’t been recognized before for their sacrifices,” Dr. Cheek said. “This project seeks to rectify that by honoring those who came forward to participate in the project.”

The Hub City Veterans Project collects oral histories from war veterans of major conflicts from the past 75 years. To date, the project has interviewed veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and the conflict in Kosovo.

“I don’t think many communities know who all the veterans from foreign wars are,” Dr. Cheek adds. “Next door neighbors, doctors, lawyers and teachers. They run the gamut, but they have served and possess amazing stories.”

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jason Pike, an SMC alumnus, will speak during the event. Pike retired from the Army after serving for 31 years. He’s the recipient of the Bronze Star for leadership under fire in Afghanistan.

Music will be provided by the SMC Troubadours and the Praise Team from Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Dr. Lanny Lanford, SMC professor of music, will lead the audience in patriotic singing.