Salinas, CA — The Hartnell College Veterans Resource Center will host its annual Veterans Appreciation Week from Nov. 10–14, 2025, at the college’s Main Campus in Salinas. The weeklong celebration honors the service, sacrifice and lasting contributions of U.S. military veterans, including Hartnell’s own veteran students, faculty, staff and community members. All events are free and open to the public.

This year’s observance follows national recognition for the college. Hartnell was recently named a Top 10 Military Friendly® School for 2025–26 and a Military Spouse Friendly® School, distinctions that recognize institutions providing exceptional academic, career and community support for veterans and military families.

Veterans Appreciation Week Schedule

Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m.
Flag Raising Ceremony at the flagpole
Student veterans will open the week with a ceremonial flag raising in honor of all who served.

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, Calif.). Hartnell College student veterans will present the traditional Soldier’s Cross tribute.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Veterans Mixer at the Veterans Resource Center (main campus)
A community luncheon at the Veterans Resource Center offering space for connection, celebration and shared stories.

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 8 a.m.–noon
Cafecito & Donuts with a Vet at the Veterans Resource Center (main campus)
Enjoy coffee, donuts and conversation with Hartnell veterans.

Friday, Nov. 14 | 8 a.m.–noon
Cafecito & Pan Dulce at the Veterans Resource Center (main campus)
Conclude the week with coffee, pastries and community appreciation.

Additional Activities

Bandstand — Experience Bandstand, a moving musical about a veteran’s return home. Performances run Nov. 1–23 at The Western Stage.

Veterans Exhibits — Explore two displays honoring veterans: one at The Western Stage featuring student stories and another in the Student Center recognizing veterans among Hartnell students, faculty, staff and families.

For more information about Veterans Appreciation Week events, please contact the Hartnell College Veterans Resource Center or visit www.hartnell.edu/events.

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About Hartnell College Veterans Resource Center

Since September 2012, Hartnell's Veteran Resource Center has provided tailored support to student veterans and their families. The center has assisted over 1,000 individuals since its inception. It aims to ease the transition from military service to college by helping with VA educational benefits and fostering academic success. At Hartnell College, we value veterans' contributions and are committed to the educational achievements of our veterans and dependents. Our center also enhances campus awareness of veteran issues, advises the student veterans club, and promotes community and well-being for student veterans.