The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) was founded in 2006 by one of our Vietnam Veterans, who felt that it was time to set the record straight regarding the long, proud military service the men and women of Harvard have provided our country. Our 501(c)(3) incorporated structure is the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization Inc., which is also a "Shared Interest Group" (SIG) of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA).

Our mission is to:

 CONNECT a community of Harvard Veterans, both on and off campus
 BRIDGE between Harvard University and its Military Affiliated Communities
 HONOR the history, service and sacrifice of Harvard Veterans

 
The HVAO supports the student-led Harvard Veterans Organization (HVO), which energizes the Harvard Student Veteran community (about 250 each academic year) through active outreach, communication, assistance and activities. Examples include a monthly open meeting for student Veterans and a mentorship program for ROTC Midshipmen and Cadets. In addition, the HVAO hosts an annual "Welcome to Harvard" tailgate at the first football home game; Memorial Day and Veterans Day gatherings at Memorial Church; and the new, and University sanctioned, tours of Harvard's Military Sights and Symbols. As a member of the HVAO, you are invited to these events and will remain connected to the military and Veteran students on campus through a monthly email newsletter.
 

While a bright future beckoned they freely gave their lives and fondest hopes for us and our allies that we might learn from them courage in peace to spend our lives making a better world for others."
– inscription inside Memorial Church

We pursue this mission as an honest, professional, volunteer member run non-profit organization, in a straightforward non-partisan manner, with utmost respect for both Harvard University and the United States Military.