CMU’s ASG is making plans for the annual Remembrance Day, a day when the university commemorates the students and staff who have died in the previous year. In years past, there have been balloon releases and candle lighting ceremonies to honor those who have passed away.

At first, there was talk about changing the name of Remembrance Day because it is also an international holiday celebrated in commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia and India to honor the fallen from World War I. To CMU, it is a day to honor the Mavericks who have died. In the end, the name change was forgone because making changes such as titles and ceremonies will not take away the true heartfelt purpose of Remembrance Day that CMU has practiced over the years.

“It started a few years back, and we are carrying on the tradition,” ASG President Telbe Storbeck said.

Last year, the tradition continued with a candle lighting ceremony on the University Center’s patio around the same time as Unity Fest.

“We framed an explanation of the event and a list of the people we were honoring and surrounded it with lit floating tea candles in mason jars with ribbons around the top, one for each person,” former ASG External Affairs Director Stephanie Summar said. “It was simple, but pretty, and we had several comments about it being a nice tribute.”

This year, ASG plans to bring a few new changes to the Remembrance Day ceremony, such as a balloon release with a thoughtful twist.

“We will pass around markers for people to write their favorite memory about the fallen Mavericks on balloons that are of the Maverick’s favorite color,” Storbeck said. “Then we will have a balloon release.”

The simple ceremony is a great way for students, family and faculty to unite and pay their respects together for their deceased loved ones who have gone to CMU. ASG will continue to uphold the tradition of Remembrance Day.

“It is good to give everyone a chance to remember the loved ones we have lost,” Storbeck said. “It is open for everyone. We encourage everyone to go see it, and we encourage everyone to come.”

Remembrance Day will be on March 16 at 2 p.m. outside of Grand Mesa Hall. During the week leading up to the ceremony, there will be a pinwheel display to remind everyone who walks by to stop for a moment and reflect on the loved ones who have died.

ebloom@mavs.coloradomesa.edu