Veteran’s Day did not pass by unnoticed for many members of the IUS community.
Two events were held in honor of U.S. veterans and to remind citizens of those who fought for the country.
The third annual IUS Veteran’s Day memorial service was held at McCullough Plaza on Nov. 10.
During the ringing of the bells, marking the end of the fighting during World War I, students, local veterans and members of the community circled the clock in remembrance of those who died fighting for the U.S.
Another event — “Come to the Canteen” Veteran’s Day tribute — brought the IUS community together for a second time during the week to honor local veterans at the Ogle Center on Nov. 12.
There were many performances, including the Motion Studio Dance and comedy skits performed by IUS communication students and faculty.
The event was sponsored by IU Southeast, the Student Veterans Organization and Ivy Tech Community College.
“This is by far the best mix of everything,” David Tomerlin, 78, said about the music, excerpts from soldier’s letters and the tap dancers.
Tomerlin, who fought for the U.S. Army in Korea, said he has attended many IUS Veteran’s Day tributes and enjoys coming back each year.
Diane Reid, senior lecturer of communications, said she holds the Veteran’s Day tribute to honor veterans.
“I think people need to recognize the veterans in our community, regardless of when they fought,” Reid said. “I wish we didn’t celebrate Veteran’s Day just once a year.”
Hannah Smith, communication sophomore, said this year’s tribute was well-rounded because of the uplifting segments of the children’s choir and comedy skits, but also the respectful memorial segment.
“It’s important to remember what’s been sacrificed,” Smith said.
Reid said the memorial segment was dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the service. There was a list of names of veterans from Indiana and Kentucky who have died in the past 10 years.
A slide show presented pictures of soldiers and also had a few pictures of sunsets, delivering a message of peace.
“Young people see it, but they don’t always quite get it,” Tomerlin said. “They see so much on TV.”
Tomerlin has a grandson that is a sophomore at IU Southeast. Tomerlin said some people may not have fathers or grandfathers in the service. He said even if they do have a veteran in the family, a lot of veterans do not talk about their experiences with war.
Tomerlin said he believes the Veteran’s Day tribute will give people an idea of veteran sacrifices.
“This helps them get a better perspective,” Tomerlin said. “We did fight all the wars, and the reason we did it was so people could have better lives.”
By BRITTANY POWELL
Staff
bripowel@ius.edu
