'Student Salutes: A Visual Tribute to MSU Veterans' exhibit on display through Nov. 14

National Veterans and Military Families Month at Mississippi State is beginning with the special November exhibit “Student Salutes: A Visual Tribute to MSU Veterans.”

Open through Nov. 14 in Colvard Student Union’s Art Gallery, the display features mixed media art pieces by MSU students given names of university alumni who served in the armed forces. Provided by MSU Libraries’ University Archives and Special Collections, the alumni names and historical information gave the student artists the chance to immerse themselves in research on each veteran, bringing their stories to life through platforms ranging from charcoal to textiles.

Along with student artwork, memorabilia spanning the history of the university is presented by University Archives, Mississippi Political Collections and Manuscript Collections. A cadet jacket, cap, belt and buckle point to the military roots of the first decades of then Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Other pieces reflecting alumni military service include a set of spurs from World War I, journal kept by a prisoner of war during World War II, and a 105mm Howitzer ammunition shell from the Vietnam War.

One of the most well-known alums highlighted in the exhibit is the late U.S. Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery whose Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President George W. Bush is included, along with Montgomery’s Bronze Star earned for exceptional courage in combat during World War II.

A public reception with refreshments will be held Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. in the gallery on the Union’s second floor. Regular gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For more information on this exhibition or any gallery programs, contact the Rob Butler in the Center for Student Activities at 662-325-2930 or reb552@msstate.edu.