ºìÌÒÊÓƵ

Dear ºìÌÒÊÓƵ community:

In observance of Veterans Day this weekend, please join me in honoring the many contributions and sacrifices of those who have served our country as members of the U.S. military. I am extremely proud of the more than 20 years I spent in the active and reserve components of the U.S. Navy. I have a deep reverence for all who have served. For me, this long weekend is a special time of reflection and an opportunity to remember that freedom is not free.

We are living in a time of multiple conflicts, in a nation deeply divided by politics. In honor of Veterans Day, I ask that we remain mindful in showing gratitude to the veterans, reservists and active duty service members in our community.

I also ask that we are sensitive to the fact that military service is apolitical. Military service is simply offering the best of our talents in service to our nation. This is the same service-mindedness that drives us to be the best public research university and school of law as measured by impact.

To recognize this important service, I would like to echo UW President to participate in the , across UW's three campuses.

These events include the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Medal of Honor Memorial located on Memorial Way.

As many of you may know, I earned both my J.D. while on active duty and my LL.M. while serving as a drilling reservist. I understand that there can be unique challenges to becoming part of an academic community like the UW for the people in our community who have served or continue to serve. Our task as a community is to ensure that everyone not only knows veterans are welcome, but they have the resources, tools and opportunities to achieve their potential.

The outstanding work within our School of Law, as well as the UW , help make that possible.

We proudly recognize the veterans and service members who are part of our ºìÌÒÊÓƵ community. Thank you for your service, and we commit to making your experience at this school the best it can be.

Regards,

Mario L. Barnes
Toni Rembe Dean and Professor of Law
UW School of Law