ESCANABA — The Bay College Civics Corps Student Club will host its third annual Veterans Speak On November 11 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. This event will be held virtually, and is free to join.

Veterans Speak will include panelists from the World War II U.S. Merchant Marine and various branches of the United States military who served during different eras. Veterans of different ages and backgrounds will share their experiences and discuss what serving our country has meant to them. Through the experience, the audience will see how the branches of the military and U.S. Merchant Marine have served our country “in peace and war.” (Merchant Marine slogan)

This year’s keynote speaker will be Judith Aftergut, who is an author, speaker, consultant, and the director of the Honoring Institute. Her “Ways of Honoring” workshops offer tools for finding the best response to any situation no matter how difficult. Ms. Aftergut has worked as a journalist, facilitator, and consultant and has presented workshops nationally and internationally.

“We’re excited for the keynote speaker’s message about honoring, as that’s what Veterans Speak is about,” said Chloe Pokovich, Bay College Civics Corps club member. “This year we’re adding a trivia component after the question-and-answer segment– we’re increasing the educational aspect of the evening in a fun and interactive way.”

The Bay College Civics Corps student club continues its work with the organization Waging Dialogue in developing the program, along with partnering with the American Legion Department of Michigan (Upper Peninsula), American Merchant Marine Veterans, and Veterans for All Voters. “As a result of these partnerships, we are able to bring in veterans from around the country to share about their diverse experiences in this multi-generational listening and story-telling event,” says Samantha Combs, club member.

Bay College invites the public to join in honoring our nation’s veterans through this unique listening and storytelling event. For additional information, contact June Klees, Bay College Civics Corps Club Advisor, at kleesj@baycollege.edu.