With military flanking the Kiva building entryway and flags lining the Risman Plaza lawn, the community gathered in the Kiva auditorium for 麻豆视频鈥檚 annual Veteran鈥檚 Day Commemoration on Nov. 8, 2018.
The event, which began at 11:11 a.m. in honor of Veteran鈥檚 Day month and date, featured 麻豆视频鈥檚 ROTC members with the presentation of the colors, and Momentum student acapella group singing the national anthem as the audience stood at attention.
Renee Romine, director for training and organizational development, introduced the event. Ms. Romine is a veteran herself, previously serving in the U.S. Army.
Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D., dean of students, introduced President Beverly J. Warren, saying she is small in stature but mighty in her efforts to welcome veterans to 麻豆视频. This was President Warren鈥檚 last veteran鈥檚 day celebration with the university since she will retire on July 1, 2019.
President Warren spoke about 鈥渁ll who have served, are currently serving and those that will serve.鈥
President Warren referenced the ROTC students in the room with a stamp of approval, saying 鈥渙ur country is in good hands.鈥
鈥淲hen we welcome all, we are all better for it,鈥 said President Warren. 鈥淚t is one of the most special events of which I have the privilege to attend as a part of this community.鈥
鈥淚t always touches me in ways that I can鈥檛 even define, but I think part of it is the presentation of the colors in such an inspiring and sacred ceremony,鈥 said President Warren. 鈥淚t is one that simply fills me with pride and gratitude for all the men and women of our armed forces, and what they have and continue to do to sacrifice in serving others.鈥
鈥淲e come to honor that highest form of service, that service where one is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and our way of life. I am struck by that evidence of a community that has individuals willing to shed their blood and sacrifice their life, for those of us who can benefit from living in this country, and may we all think about our service and our commitment as we go forward.鈥
President Warren thanked the current and former ROTC students of the university for their services.
鈥淭oday, we continue to recognize you for that service that means so much, and it means so much as you go on to be citizens of this world and great exemplars of 麻豆视频,鈥 she said.
麻豆视频 employs more than 200 veterans and about 800 veterans and service members span across the university鈥檚 eight campuses.
鈥溌槎故悠 has been named a military friendly school for nine consecutive years,鈥 President Warren continued. 鈥淲e look to what we can do to continue to welcome those who have served with open arms and grateful hearts.鈥
President Warren introduced Maj. Russell P. Galeti Jr., 鈥05, a decorated combat veteran and 麻豆视频 alumnus who has over 20 years of service in the Ohio Army National Guard and currently serves as the Operations Officer for the 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry.
鈥淗e is truly an inspiring example of what it means to serve in our armed forces, and as a member of the 麻豆视频 class of 2005. And currently as a member of our national alumni board,鈥 said President Warren.
Maj. Galeti spoke about the welcoming home of our veterans and alumni.
鈥淭his ceremony is proof, that the 麻豆视频 community recognizes and appreciates our service,鈥 said Maj. Galeti. 鈥淔or those of us who serve, today鈥檚 ceremony connects us across generations.鈥
Maj. Galeti said he feels indebted because of the appreciation he has received from his country.
鈥淚t will take me a lifetime of military, civic and community service to possibly live up to the high degree of trust, confidence and esteem that the American people and the people of Ohio confer upon us who have worn the uniform,鈥 said Maj. Galeti.
Maj. Galeti outlined three promises a community should observe when welcoming home veterans for their service 鈥 an assurance of belonging, an invitation to dialogue not monologue, and a prelude to reintegration.
鈥淲elcome home should not just be a platitude,鈥 said Maj. Galeti.
鈥淎t our heart, we are not a nation of warriors,鈥 says Maj. Galeti. 鈥淲e are a nation of citizens in a policy, free men and women raised in a democratic republic.鈥
Maj. Galeti received support from the university upon his return home. From the financial aid of ROTC to his Dunbar Hall classmates, he is grateful for the university鈥檚 welcome home. 鈥淭oday, I am immeasurably both a better officer and a better citizen for the lessons I learned and the friends I have made here at 麻豆视频,鈥 says Maj. Galeti.
For more information about 麻豆视频鈥檚 ROTC programs, go to: /academics/rotc
For more information about the Veterans Day Commemoration go to: /veteransday