Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: News

Black Knight members Robert Flores and Timothy Going with Provost Blair Lord carry a wreath symbolizing honor and remembrance of veterans during the Veteran's Day ceremony in Old Main Tuesday morning. (Kelsey Karstrand / The Daily Eastern News)

Past and present veterans were honored for their service at the Veteran's Day Memorial Service Tuesday morning.

The day became a national holiday in 1938 and is celebrated every year.

This year, Eastern hosted the ceremony in the main lobby of Old Main. The event was held inside because of weather.

Members of ROTC, veterans of the community, students and community members came together to honor all veterans.

Capt. Thomas Taylor, who has been in the service for the past six years, said he believes Veteran's Day means "honoring the men and women that have served our country."

Lt. Col. Larry Coblentz Jr., said Veteran's Day is important because it is "a great opportunity to remember our veterans who have served and participated in securing our rights and privileges we have as American citizens."

The ceremony began with Brian Andries, master of ceremonies, speaking about why it is important to celebrate this day followed by the "National Anthem," which was sung by Bobbi Weidner.

In between the two speaker podiums, stood five flags representing the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and the Air Force.

After Chaplain Andrew Robinson said a prayer for all those who have fought or are currently fighting, a wreath was brought up and placed in front of the flags.

The wreath was made of red, white and blue loral and poppy flowers symbolizing honor and remembrance.

1st Sgt. Angie Ison served for 18 years and participated in this ceremony because she herself is a veteran.

"I am a veteran, and I want to honor those who served and are serving and to thank them," Ison said.

Veteran Erik Tofte spoke about the Black Knights, a group for veterans on campus. "Serving is what veterans do; it is who they are," Tofte said. "They stood up as one for a greater cause."

Mayor John Inyart thanked all the veterans for their brave contribution to the country.

A 21-gun salute closed the ceremony.

"It went really smoothly and I feel there was a really good turnout," Andries said.

Bridget Morris can be reached at 581-7942 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.

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