14th Annual “Pride of Our Nation…Pride of Our College” Exhibition Opens Saturday, Nov. 8

November 3, 2025

The 14th annual “Pride of Our Nation…Pride of Our College” exhibition, a display of military photographs and memorabilia submitted each year by faculty, staff and students, will open on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Marvin Library Learning Commons at Hudson Valley Community College. An opening reception will begin at 1 p.m., and the exhibition will remain on view on the first floor of the library in the Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Atrium through Friday, Dec. 19. There is no cost to attend.

The exhibition originally included just a handful of photographs but has since grown to include more than 100 images and keepsakes, both official “military issue” and personal. Each year, current students, faculty and staff submit photos and loan objects — ranging from dog tags and medals to historic documents and full uniforms — related to the military career of a relative or themselves. Items from as far back as the Civil War to the present day are featured, and this year, World War II veterans will be recognized to mark the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.

“Hudson Valley Community College is honored to once again host the Pride of Our Nation…Pride of Our College exhibition. Each year, this display grows in both size and meaning, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have worn our nation’s uniform. We are proud to provide a space where our community can come together to honor members of our military, veterans and their families and reflect on the deep connections between service and education.”

More than seventy years ago, the Veterans Vocational Institute – the forerunner of what was to become Hudson Valley Community College – was established with the goal of providing career training for veterans returning from World War II and the Korean War. Through the decades, the college has continued to offer focused services and educational opportunities for active-duty military members and student veterans and has established numerous scholarships aimed at veterans or those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Now serving approximately 400 student veterans each year, the college sponsors a veteran education center, mentors and special programs throughout the year.

The college is also designated a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, an organization that recognizes the top colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and to ensure their success on campus.

All are welcome to visit the “Pride of our Nation…Pride of our College” exhibit. Library hours are 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. The library will also be closed Nov. 26-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.