On Nov. 10, ETSU held a ceremony at The Quad to honor the service of veterans for Veterans Day. This was also the 246th birthday of the Marine Corps, founded in 1775. 

The University School Choir sang the “U.S. Armed Forces Medley,” a traditional Veterans Day piece, to recognize and honor each branch of the uniformed services of the United States. These include the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps. The ETSU Band Ensemble followed by playing “America the Beautiful,” another well-known song shared on Veterans Day. 

Navy Capt. Harry “Chuck” Hayes was the speaker for the event. Hayes earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in national security strategy. He was also awarded the John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership in the naval service.

He explained what Veterans Day meant to not just him, but to other veterans, who shared similar experiences as him, and to those who are friends and family of veterans. He started by explaining the literal commemoration of Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day originally commemorated the signing of the armistice which was the ending of World War I, which occurred at 11 a.m. in November, the 11th month, on the 11th day of the year of 1919,” said Hayes. 

After that short explanation, he shared what Veterans Day means from a more implicit and emotional point of view. He shared that he has family members and friends in the service, some of whom have lost their lives amidst their dedication to their country, something he knew others present could empathize with. 

“We gather to honor those who served- best case, we shake their hands. But most often, they’re not with us, so we remember,” he said. 

He continued by relating with his fellow veterans about their experiences in the service. 

“As vets, we remember our service,” said Hayes before listing familiar memories from his service, “and then the smiles start creeping across our faces. And then, the stories and the memories start pouring back. For some of us, including myself, we experience a strange romanticism with serving; being part of a team, being part of something bigger, and being pushed further than we could’ve ever thought possible, and reveling in it.”

Hayes then recited locations where United States veterans had served in order to preserve and protect the integrity of our nation, making sure that he memorialized as many as he could. Staying true to the memorialization of those before us, he then named individual veterans who lost their lives because of the hardships that serving the country brings. 

“Today, we remember,” Hayes repeated throughout his speech, instilling the notion that this day exists to acknowledge those who laid down their lives for the greater good of the United States, and those who actively aren’t afraid to do so. 

He then shifted his commemoration to the families of those related to veterans who served during a time of conflict (Blue Star Families) and to families who lost loved ones due to the conflict (Gold Star Families), making sure they were recognized for their strength and encouragement despite the hardships they vicariously face. 

“We hear stories and accounts of American heroes. I believe it’s altogether fitting and proper that we not only honor them, but we be better Americans ourselves. We should strive to be worthy of their sacrifice,” said Hayes as he concluded. 

Patrons were then prompted to stand as the ROTC Drill Team placed a wreath on the ETSU Veterans Memorial, honoring the ROTC alumni who were killed in action; Capt. Alvin K. Royals, Capt. Donald J. Phillips, Capt. Eugene D. Franklin, Maj. Billy J. Nave, 1st Lt. Douglas C. Jones, Capt. Gordon O. Walsh, 1st Lt. Daniel L. Mullins, Capt. James E. Reed, 1st Lt. James D. Dugger, and Capt. Daniel E. Graybeal. 

“Taps,” the bugle call played at military funerals and the sound used to call ‘lights out’ for soldiers to go to sleep, rang out solemnly as everyone present shared a moment of silence for all of the lives lost in combat. The same was done as “Amazing Grace” was played from a bagpipe. 

The ceremony concluded with attendees sharing kind words and warm embraces as they relished in their company whilst remembering those who could not be present.