The University of Memphis Veterans and Military Services held an early Veterans Day Recognition Event Thursday, honoring UofM and Memphis veterans in the UC Ballroom.
Navy veteran and UofM Veteran and Military Student Services coordinator Marcallina James said she gained more knowledge of her fellow veterans from the event.
"There is always that historical piece that impacts me during Veteran's Day," James said.
James said Veteran's Day brings awareness to a secluded community on campus.
"Being in the military, it's a hidden community. It's its own world," James said. "I don't think people can really have an appreciation unless we raise their awareness with different activities."
James said Veteran's Day highlights the fact that some of the veterans on campus have been fighting for about as long as some students' years on Earth.
"We've been at war for almost 19 years, and many of the students here at the university are not aware that, for most of their lives, we've been in a state of war." James said
The war in Afghanistan, which initially started in 2001 in response to 9/11, has been going on nearly for two decades, with over five hundred thousand casualties since November 2018, according to Brown University.
UofM accountancy instructor and Navy veteran Jeffrey Nevels said the event made him proud to serve his country, and it is important to give remembrance to the service of past veterans.
"It's appropriate to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by veterans for the past 200 years to keep our country free," Nevels said.
Nevels said he is gracious for being a part of the UofM faculty and for allowing his past servitude to shine within the classroom.
"I'm very thankful to be a part of the UofM family," Nevels said. "I especially enjoy being able to bring into the classroom my military experiences regarding leadership, integrity and character."
One of the main symbols used in the Armed Forces is the red poppy flower. The red petals represent the blood of those who gave their lives, the black button of mourning for those who did not make it home and the green leaf symbolizing hope and rebirth after the war.
Hilton business analyst and Navy veteran Tarchelle Bryant said the event was beautiful, from the band to the speaker of the night, where some of the music selection made her cry.
"It made me feel proud," Bryant said. "Especially when they played 'Proud to be an American.' It brought back memories of my time in the Navy and brought tears to my eyes."
Bryant said, despite loving Veterans Day, she was concerned about going beyond just the acknowledgment of the day.
"They could do more with Veterans Day as a national holiday," Bryant said. "A lot of companies don't do Veterans Day off as much as they do Memorial Day, and there needs to be a distinguishment between Memorial, Veteran's and Armed Services Day."
According to a report by Ithaka S+R Research Center, over 900,000 veterans have enrolled in college since Jan. 10.
UofM physical plant assistant and veteran Lakisha Watson said the event would positively affect the UofM campus by enhancing the experience of attending UofM ROTC students.
"It'll show that we're a veteran-friendly community and hopefully it'll enrich their experience here," Watson said
Watson said that Veteran's Day is a great time not just to acknowledge veterans but their families as well.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to remember those who served before us and their families," Watson said. "People always focus on the veterans, but families also make that sacrifice."
Watson said that for the ROTC students, specifically the women, that as they progress through college, the world is theirs.
"I'm so proud of you," Watson said. "You are standing on the shoulders of very accomplished, strong, fantastic women who have open the doors for you. The world is your oyster. Take it, dominate it and kick its butt."
Several veterans line up moments before going on stage to conduct the ceremony.
A moment of silence is held to honor the men who have served our country as they exit the stage.
A presentation was displayed to show the duty and valor of the brave men & women who remain in service of our nation.
