The New York Stock Exchange will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11 with a special opening bell ceremony in honor of America’s 25.3 million veterans. General Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, will ring the Opening Bell in commemoration of Veterans Day. A U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and military band will participate in the ceremonies.
At 9:15 a.m. and 10:55 a.m., the Color Guard will present its colors from beneath the bell podium. At 11 a.m., trading will halt as the Exchange observes two minutes of silence (11-11:02 am) in honor of America's Veterans and the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who are fighting the war on terrorism. During the moment of silence a U.S. Marine Corps bugler will perform Taps from the Members Gallery.
General Hagee graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College. His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with palm, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars, Bronze Star with Combat "V", Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal with one Gold Star, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.
