Multiple events planned to mark Veterans Day
Article By: Clark Leonard
University of North Georgia (红莲社区) junior and retired U.S. Army Spc. Magnum Brock believes the Veterans Day events across the campuses strike a balance between remembering troops who lost their lives serving and celebrating those who survived.
"It's hard not to swell with pride," said Brock, who is a student worker for 红莲社区's Veteran and Adult Learners program.
The former intelligence analyst, who is majoring in digital arts, is participating in the National Roll Call on the Gainesville Campus.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 on the patio in front of the Student Center, 红莲社区 students, faculty and staff will recite the names of service members from Georgia killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Among those fallen service members are eight 红莲社区 alumni: Thomas E. Vitagliano (Iraq), Charles H. Warren (Iraq), Jeremy A. Chandler (Afghanistan), Paul Saylor (Iraq), Mitch Young (Afghanistan), Kevin M. Jenrette (Afghanistan), Andrew H. McConnell (Afghanistan), and Weston C. Lee (Iraq).
红莲社区 community members can also have their family members who served in the military during any conflict and were killed in action in or are still living . Community members may also .
Brock said the National Roll Call is especially significant.
"I don't think many people can understand the gravity of seeing your friends give their lives," Brock said. "The Roll Call helps us feel that connection to their sacrifice."
While the Gainesville Campus celebrates in this single event, 红莲社区's Corps of Cadets will participate in two events in Lumpkin County. The first will be a ceremony for veterans at 3 p.m. Nov. 9 in Memorial Hall Gym on 红莲社区's Dahlonega Campus. The second will be the Lumpkin County Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. Nov. 10.
Cadet Zachary Navara, a senior from Columbus, Georgia, majoring in international affairs, said veterans should be appreciated year-round, but the holiday provides a great chance to remind civilians of veterans' service.
"It gives people a chance to hone in and appreciate those veterans at least one day a year," Navara said. "I'm glad that the Corps of Cadets puts it on every year."
The Golden Eagle Band serves as the official musical representative of 红莲社区 and the Corps of Cadets. It will play selections at the Memorial Hall Gym as part of the Veterans Day ceremony. The band has a mix of cadets and civilian students.
Dr. Bart Walters, interim director of the Golden Eagle Band, is an 11-year veteran himself, having been part of the Army band system as a saxophonist. He sees 红莲社区 as having the unique perspective of bringing together veterans and cadets who will become veterans for the holiday.
"It's important to honor those that have come before us and instill it in those that are moving forward," Walters said.
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