To celebrate those who sacrificed so much in honor of their country, Augusta University hosted a special Veterans Day and Marine Corps birthday event on Friday, Nov. 10, to show appreciation for retired and active duty soldiers around the nation.
Commemorating 248 years of the Marine Corps existence and the federal holiday formerly known as Armistice Day, veterans, the Marine Corps League, students and many other local organizations gathered together on the Summerville campus to observe the Marine Corps annual cake cutting tradition.
As the bugle player sounded at the start of the ceremony, men and women of all ages attended the event dressed in red, white, blue, black and army green to showcase past and present soldiers throughout the years.
As flags of all the U.S. Armed Forces were displayed and honorary Veterans Day pins were gifted to those who served, participants sat side-by-side to acknowledge the sacrifices of many soldiers.
For Lee Byrd, a Marine Corps veteran and the Co-Chair of the North Augusta Chamber, recognizing retired and active duty soldiers is important because it promotes community friendships while honoring sacrifice and dedication of those before.
“It’s good camaraderie back and forth, because – when it comes down to it – we all raised our right hand and took an oath that we would defend the Constitution,” he said.
To Col. Carlene Blanding, veteran and vice president of Human Resources of Integrated Supply Chain and Enterprise Excellence for Shaw Industries, remembering veterans gives citizens the chance to remember the many lives freedom has, and continues, to cost in light of history’s many blemishes.
“The line of Americans willing to risk their lives for this land, and the ideals and people they love is steep in history and is ongoing,” she said. “Each branch of our military makes up a wonderful tapestry of our military’s patriotic legacy … they have not only fought our wars to preserve the peace, whether in faraway lands or in home stations, but they have also lived uncommon lives under a common banner – a love of country and service to their own fellow man.”
Even after their time in service, Blanding said retired soldiers remain the backbone of the nation because of their unyielding work ethic and unique skill sets.
“It is therefore fitting that we pause as a nation, as a people, to recognize their service and sacrifices,” she said. “… right now, all around the country, veterans serve in many, many areas as teachers, doctors, engineers, social workers, first responders and even as community elected officials. They continue to serve this country – this community – by making a positive impact.”
Blanding concluded her speech by also highlighting the significance of also remembering prisoners of war and those still missing in action, because their families gave the ultimate sacrifice and endured a severe loss. However, despite the risk of losing one’s life, Blanding said the country has always been supported by incredibly brave men and women.
“It is what always has made America exceptional – the generations of patriots who decided to dedicate themselves to the defense of the United States,” she said. “At times of great peril, our veterans have kept the faith. They have kept us free and have enabled America to keep faith with the rest of the world.”
Proud to also be involved in the U.S. Armed Forces, Augusta University’s Lt. Col. Matthew Miller, chair of the Department of Military Science, said he grew up an “army brat” and felt honored to celebrate with his community and alongside fellow veterans, because it encouraged a strong sense of fellowship and purpose.
“It really helps veterans to be able to come together and do that, and it’s also a lot of fun,” he said.
During the ceremony, Caitlyn Burner, current AU student and president of the Gold Star Organization, spoke on how her family is touched by Veterans Day as she suffered a great loss at a very young age.
“I lost my father, who was on active duty in the Army, when I was six years old,” she said.
In remembrance of her father’s life and service, Burner explained that she sought to educate others on what it means to be a Gold Star Family.
“It’s a title for those who lost an immediate family member in the military,” she said as she held back tears. “[Gold Star Family] has made such an impact on my life and in my journey, and I would do anything in my power to give that back to other people.”
After many shed a tear to Burner’s story, the Marine Corps League ended the ceremony by cutting the celebratory cake with a sword, which symbolized how all are warriors committed to serving so many can live in peace.
Continuing the celebration of Veterans Day, several events will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, in Aiken, North Augusta, Columbia County and Richmond County.
