On Nov 13, ETSU held their Veterans Day ceremony in the university quad, allowing space for campus and community to say “thank you” to our veterans.

Veterans Day on Nov. 11 originated as “Armistice Day” after the first world war concluded on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

“Veterans Day is a moment for America as a whole to set aside a day to remember and acknowledge and show gratitude for the service and the sacrifices of our military veterans,” says Jason Wilder, assistant director of Military and Veterans Services.

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem. The ETSU Brass Ensemble as well as the University Choir made an appearance, lending their talents for the event.

Following the musical interlude, a moment was taken to recognize ETSU alumni who were killed in action, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jay F. Lovelace was the guest speaker for the ceremony. The ceremony also saw the presentation of the challenge coin and the ETSU color guard placed a wreath on campus’ Veterans’ Memorial.

Photo taken at the Veterans Day ceremony. (Contributed/ETSU)

After the ceremony, attendees were encouraged to mingle with ETSU ROTC representatives and veterans who attended the ceremony were provided with a free meal ticket to have lunch with one another in the dining hall.

“I want people to be aware of the veteran population that is on campus and not only the veterans, but also our ROTC cadets that are going to be our future veterans, that are currently training while they are working towards their degrees. . . It’s important that campus is willing to take an hour to just sit and consider and remember and appreciate these sacrifices,” Wilder said.

Wilder concluded his interview by showing gratitude for campus leadership, the student body and community for coming together to honor our veterans.

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