by Erin Thompson

Created on: November 19, 2008

There is one day throughout the year in which everyone in the nation can set aside their differences and come together with a common bond: to pay tribute to the millions of veterans of the armed forces."We celebrate this Veterans Day for a few minutes, a few seconds of silence and then the country's life goes on," said Edinboro University President Jeremy Brown during a reception to honor local veterans. The reception was followed by a 21-gun salute for those who have served in the nation's military forces."I think it's appropriate that we recall every moment when we are faced with great responsibilities, the contribution and the sacrifice that so many men and families have made in order to commit this country that now occupy its present position of responsibility and freedom," said Brown.Veterans Day began 90 years ago to commemorate the end of World War I, which was declared "the war to end all wars," by the 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. "But sadly, it was not the war to end all wars," said Brown.During the reception, Brown recognized the Edinboro University Reserve Officers' Training Corps. (ROTC), which is a college-based officer-commissioning program."We are confident that they will be prepared for what will come and we know that they are willing to represent their country in war and in peace just like so many in this room have done before," said Brown.Members of ROTC were pleased with the turnout at the reception, which brought nearly 80 veterans, officers and members of the community, according to Coleen Peckham, who organized the reception."It was really moving to see the Edinboro community come out and remember and support our veterans," said ROTC instructor Capt. Isaac Sjol, who was present to the reception."[Veterans Day is] a chance to appreciate the sacrifices that our servicemen and women make every day for our country and for their loved ones and family and it's good to honor and appreciate people who serve their country," Sjol said.Also present were members of the Edinboro community who represented their nation in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War and during the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."I appreciate being invited to this operation to see what they're [the university] doing to celebrate Veterans Day," said retired Colonel John Walker, who is one of the highest-ranking officers in the area and was also in attendance at the reception.

Walker was an ROTC instructor in Wake Forest in North Carolina in 1957. "I have a fondness in my heart for them," he said.During his service, Walker was part of the Ghost Army, a 1,100-man unit whose mission was to impersonate other U.S. Army units in order to fool the enemy during the European Theater of Operations during World War II.Brown said that he was proud to have students, faculty, staff and retirees, such as Walker, who served in the military on campus."They fought our wars, they kept our peace and they made it possible for the rest of us to enjoy our freedoms, rights and privileges that many other lands cannot even begin to imagine," said Brown.In light of the memorial occasion, Brown also mentioned that more than 15,000 people visited the Moving Wall exhibit when it was brought to campus last spring. The Moving Wall is a one-half replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C., and includes the names of more than 58,000 members of the U.S. military who were killed during the Vietnam War, including more than 100 from northwest Pennsylvania.

Learn more about this author, Erin Thompson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.