A solemn silence filled the normally exuberant halls of Shippensburg University’s Ceddia Union Building (CUB) on Nov. 10 as past and present members of the U.S. military came together to honor those who have served our country.

The ceremony was mostly made up of the SU ROTC Raider Battalion, but also included military veterans and campus community members who convened in the CUB’s Airport Lounge at 3 p.m. to recognize Veteran’s Day. Following an opening prayer and the playing of the national anthem, SU ROTC cadet Bailey Davis oversaw the afternoon’s activities.

After the benediction and the playing of taps, balloons were distributed to write words of thanks and encouragement to veterans or those currently serving. At 3:45 p.m., the crowd moved outside to release the balloons in unison.

This year’s ceremony featured guest speaker U.S. Army Col. Ricardo Gonzalez, a student at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Before enrolling in the Army War College, Gonzalez served in Germany, the Balkans, North Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his speech, Gonzalez
took the opportunity to address SU’s ROTC cadets.

“You are our future, the Army leaders of tomorrow,” Gonzalez said. “As I look at you today, I see the past, the present and the future.”

The U.S. military has experienced more challenging times in recent years, stemming from diminishing resources and an increased pressure in workload, according to Gonzalez. However, Gonzalez said it still remains important to develop a framework for cadets in years to come.

“Go into this battle with heart and force,” Gonzalez said. “Know your strengths and weaknesses, and use every opportunity to build your team.”

Also present at the ceremony was SU President George “Jody” Harpster, who presented the traditional red, white and blue wreath in memory of anyone who had served in the U.S. military.

This preceded the reading of a list of nearly two dozen individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice in wars ranging from World War I to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“They are giving up the ultimate sacrifice, all so that we can be standing here doing what we are doing,” Harpster said. “If less people would have done what they have done, we may not be standing here today.

“Honoring Veterans Day is the least we can do to recognize all that they do.”

Lt. Col. Matthew Sober, an SU alumnus and the Raider Battalion’s commander, thanked the university for its efforts in planning this year’s ceremony and for its unwavering support for the ROTC program. Addressing the cadets in the audience, Sober said that SU is the place to be if one wants to pursue a career in the U.S. Army.

Davis, who was responsible for planning the day’s ceremony and activities, said that because she is still a student cadet it is important for her, as well as the rest of the cadets, to honor veterans and to learn from them.

“It is important for us to take the time to recognize veterans and to learn from their experiences,” Davis said.

The history of Veterans Day dates back to just after the conclusion of World War I, when President Woodrow Wilson recognized all who had fought or lost their lives in battle. In November 1919, Wilson declared that Nov. 11 would be known from then on as “Armistice Day,” which then received acknowledgment as a national holiday by Congress in May 1938. In 1954, the word, Armistice was changed to Veterans, forming the holiday Americans are familiar with today.

“It is important to honor the past of this Veterans Day and from here forward,” Gonzalez said. “I applaud your decision to wear the uniform and wish you the best always.”

Other SU events held in commemoration of Veterans Day included free coffee and donuts from 9–11 a.m., a “Leis for Vets” fundraiser and the first-ever Veterans Day dinner, which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union.

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