The Southern University Student Government Association and the Office of Student Organization and Campus Involvement hosted a Veteran’s Day celebration on Nov. 11 in remembrance and honor of those who have fallen, retired or served the country.
The SU Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps presented the Louisiana state flag and the American flag to reverence the occasion.
Jon Alexander, a senior Math major and Midshipman first class of the Naval ROTC explained the importance of the day.
“I think it is very important to show appreciation for those who paved the way for freedom right here in America,” Alexander said.
He said that many of the Veterans paid the ultimate sacrifice and a lot of other veterans that are still with us today also made many sacrifices in serving the nation.
“It’s very important to commemorate and show appreciation for all veterans,” Alexander said.
Alexander also said he decided to participate in the ROTC program to join and serve.
“I think it’s very important to serve and to continue standing for what this country was founded on,” Alexander said.
Mia Robinson, a senior and vice president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, presented those in attendance with certificates of appreciation.
Kenyatta Marshall, political science major from Baton Rouge, spoke about how she felt as a parent with a child serving in the military.
“I feel good about having a child in the military. Matter of fact, I have a son who is in the U. S. Air Force and one who is about to go into the Louisiana Air National Guard.”
According to Marshall, military service runs deep in her family. She said that her father served in World War II and her brother had a career in the Air Force.
Although Marshall has never served in the military, she said it is important that veterans programs are held so that many unspoken heroes in the service could be recognized.
“They don’t get benefits and aren’t compensated for their service even though many volunteered and are proud that they have served their country,” Marshall said.
Randy Tyson, a United States Marine who served from 2001-08 said that he joined the military because of the influence his family had on him as service members.
“Their leadership and mentoring influenced my decision when I graduated high school to join the military,” Tyson said.
Tyson also said that others should join the military to continue the traditions of a great nation.
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Southern Student Celebrate Veterans Day
November 14, 2013
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