Every year on Nov. 11th, Veterans Day is celebrated all over America. At CNU, Students gathered for a brief ceremony in celebration of our nation’s veterans. Many turned out for this event, even those from the broader Newport News community, some of whom were veterans themselves.
The program began with a procession of the Color Guard, afterwards, CNU’s Vice President of Student Affairs Kevin Hughes began the ceremony with a speech that highlighted the withstanding legacy of Veterans Day. This day began to honor the sacrifice in the First World War in 1919 – evolving over one hundred years into a holiday meant to celebrate all those who have served in the United States military.
“Today, in a world where it seems we too often seek to find division, let us come together in admiration for the Soldiers, the Sailors, the Marines, the Airmen, the Coasties, and the Space Force members upon whose shoulders that this great country has been and continues to be built upon,” Hughes said.
Following this first speech from Hughes, CNU President William Kelley delivered a speech of his own that emphasized the importance of the duty of every member of our armed forces. He further stated that it is their work to protect these United States that allow us to enjoy our freedoms and liberties each and every day. He thanked those who could attend this ceremony, then gave a final thanks to those service men and women who “continue to stand watch.”
Hughes returned again to speak more on what can be done for our nation’s veterans. Firstly, he raised the importance of mental health among these veterans and the horrific statistical reality that 22 veterans every day are lost by their own hands, and that we have lost more veterans to suicide than in combat in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Hughes later mentioned a number of community organizations that can be given our time, money, and attention who not only serve these service members but also their spouses and dependents.
He went on to say that to best serve our nation’s veterans, we should make an effort to show a basic appreciation for their constant service every other day of the year. He also said that we ought to show our support in a meaningful way beyond just words and that Veterans are all around us as friends, faculty, and regular members of this community.
Being in the Hampton Roads area, Veterans have a special place in both the communities of CNU and Newport News, and every year the celebration of these men and women shows just how much their service to this country is appreciated.
