ETSU honored veterans at the Veterans’ Day Memorial Celebration at the VA Memorial Theatre Friday.
U.S. Rep. Bill Jenkins encouraged the remembrance and honor for the veterans of the United States.
He also announced ETSU’s partnership in the Veteran’s History Project.
The Veteran’s History Project, which will be a part of the Library of Congress, involves the gathering of information about veterans and will include a variety of information concerning war and the people who served. Jenkins also recognized and saluted all veterans of war.
“The wonderful freedoms we have enjoyed in our lives are all the result of the sacrifice and hardships of the men and women of the United States who have taken it upon themselves to put on their uniform and represent our country,” Jenkins said.
Rhonda Hedderich remembered the women who have served and are serving our country in the military. She spoke about combat nurses and their place on the battlefield as well as the sacrifices these women have made.
“Where there have been battles and battlefields, there have been nurses tending our wounded,” Hedderich said.
The celebration also included the “Parade of Heroes” and several men who spoke of their personal accounts of war. The parade included Chester Hodge, World War II; Carson Gentry, a Korean War veteran who received the Purple Heart; Lt. Col. Craig Terry, Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Vigilant Warrior; 1st Lt. Robert Powell, Desert Storm and Capt. Jason Smith, Operation Enduring Freedom.
ROTC’s color guard and band performed in the celebration and Luanne Powers performed “God Bless America” to help honor, remember and salute soldiers across the country.

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