wear blue Honors the Fallen at SVA's 18th Annual NatCon
During the Student Veterans of America’s (SVA) 18th Annual NatCon, held January 8–10 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, wear blue: run to remember once again brought the SVA community together in active remembrance and connection.
With students, chapter leaders, partners, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in attendance, NatCon provided three days of meaningful engagement focused on leadership, advocacy, and community building. Throughout the conference, wear blue’s presence reinforced the importance of honoring the fallen while strengthening bonds among those who serve and support the military community.
.
Building Connection Throughout NatCon
The wear blue exhibit served as a central gathering point for attendees throughout the conference. Chapter leaders and student veterans engaged directly with wear blue staff and volunteers, learning how to start new wear blue communities, join existing ones, and participate in Honor Events across the country.
Many attendees also expressed interest in the upcoming Piestewa Challenge, particularly its focus on honoring Women in Service and its virtual participation options. These conversations reflected a shared commitment to remembrance and an eagerness to stay engaged beyond the conference.
.
Adapting to the Mission
On January 9, Colorado Springs received approximately eight inches of snowfall. Despite the challenging weather, wear blue adapted quickly to ensure the Circle of Remembrance and run/walk could still take place.
The Circle of Remembrance was moved to an alternate indoor venue, where nearly 120 participants gathered to honor the fallen. Following the Circle, approximately 100 additional attendees joined an indoor run/walk option, bringing the total number of participants to more than 200.
For those who wished to take part outdoors, the route remained available, and many participants chose to run/walk outside despite the conditions. Whether indoors or outdoors, the event created space for reflection, connection, and shared purpose.
.
A Powerful Tribute Mile
One of the most impactful elements of wear blue’s presence at NatCon was the Tribute Mile, displayed throughout the largest hall and adjoining corridors of The Broadmoor. Featuring the faces of the fallen, the Tribute Mile offered every conference attendee the opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As participants moved between sessions and events, the Tribute Mile served as a constant reminder of why remembrance matters and how it connects the SVA community.
.
A Lasting Impact
wear blue’s participation at the 18th Annual NatCon reinforced a shared commitment to honoring and remembering the fallen while fostering strong, resilient communities. The events throughout NatCon demonstrated that remembrance is not limited by weather, location, or circumstance. It is carried forward by people who show up for one another.
As SVA and wear blue continue to work together, the connections built at NatCon will help strengthen opportunities for student veterans and communities nationwide to engage in active remembrance.
wear blue: run to remember will continue to honor and remember, alongside the SVA community, now and in the years to come.
.