Military Appreciation Day
Washington College is proud to celebrate the men and women of our community who have served or are currently serving in the United States armed forces.
Washington College Military Appreciation Day
Washington vs. Gettysburg
Saturday April 20, 2024, 11 a.m.
Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium
The College’s connection to U.S. veteran’s runs deep, beginning with our namesake, George Washington, who was commissioned by the Continental Congress as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775.
Washington awarded the first purple-colored badges (which would later become the military’s Purple Heart medal) to soldiers who fought in the Continental Army during the revolution to honor valor and meritorious service. At the time, an award to everyday soldiers was unheard of, but given the conditions faced during the revolution, Washington felt it imperative to recognize the heroic actions of his citizen soldiers. This is but one example of the superb leadership qualities that allowed Washington to succeed throughout his life. He established a precedent of selfless service and moral integrity in the American armed forces, a legacy that lives on in the nation he helped create.
Following in the footsteps of George Washington, Washington College veterans have played a significant role throughout our history in defending and protecting the freedom of the United States of America and its citizens.
In celebration of the service and contributions of Washington College Veterans, prior to and during the April 20, 2024, lacrosse game in Kirby Stadium, the College will recognize and honor our military who have served, or are serving, our country.
We encourage you to help us say thank you to those who have served by giving them a game-day experience they’ll never forget.
Service and Remembrance
Travelers passing by Washington College’s parcel at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Morgnec Road in Chestertown may soon find themselves humming “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Imagine the sight of hundreds of American flags to be proudly displayed from May 15 through May 30 in conjunction with Washington College’s Commencement Weekend and Memorial Day Weekend.
Organized by the Chestertown Rotary Club and Washington College Rotaract Club, in affiliation with Mid-Shore Community Foundation, our inaugural Flags for Heroes campaign will be an opportunity for community members to honor their personal heroes who have made a positive impact on their lives.
Other Flags for Heroes programs started out honoring only military and first responders, but after many requests were expanded to family members and others who have been a hero in one’s life. The Flags for Heroes display will speak for itself and give a voice to folks that want to honor and recognize individuals in the form of our national emblem.
Founded and chartered in 1926 and celebrating its 97th anniversary, the Chestertown Rotary Club is part of Rotary International’s District 7630. For ninety-three years its members have been volunteering their time and talents to support local worthy causes and to exemplify the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self.”
Organized by the Chestertown Rotary Club and Washington College Rotaract Club, in affiliation with Mid-Shore Community Foundation, our inaugural Flags for Heroes campaign will be an opportunity for community members to honor their personal heroes who have made a positive impact on their lives.