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Celebrations to honor veterans set for Nov. 11 at UT
As veterans across the nation and around the world are honored Nov. 11, 2011, a Veterans Day celebration will be held on the University of Toledo Main Campus to give those who served a chance to reconnect with each other and to provide the public an opportunity to thank the men and women who keep our country safe.
A breakfast for veterans will be served at 8:45 a.m. at Savage Arena followed by a presentation at 9:30 a.m. A ceremony of remembrance open to the public will begin at 11 a.m. at the UT Veterans’ Plaza, located on the northwest corner of Centennial Mall. Transportation from the arena to and from the plaza will be provided. The celebration is sponsored by the Lucas County Commissioners, the American Red Cross of Greater Toledo, the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, Block Communications, and UT.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Beasley, chair of UT’s Department of Military Science, will give the keynote speech during the morning breakfast. “This is an opportunity to thank veterans for their service and a reminder to everyone that in times of need, there always have been men and women who rise to serve the nation,” Beasley said. “We need to be sure we recognize their efforts and never take for granted those who volunteer.”
Lee Armstrong, a retired U.S. Navy veteran and executive director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, noted that according to the last census, only 10 percent of Ohioans have served in the armed forces. “Certainly the families of armed services members also are asked to make sacrifices, but it is important that we take the time to stepback and thank veterans and current members of the armed forces for the work they do to enable the society we all enjoy,” Armstrong said.
Tim Yenrick, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, said support for veterans and their families around the world is an important part of the emergency response organization’s mission. “Service and support for the military and their families is a part of our past and will be a part of our future,” Yenrick said. “We’re honored to help celebrate the contributions of so many men and women to this country.”
In addition to remarks by Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Mayor Michael Bell, and State Sen. Teresa Fedor, there will be words from Jacob Cox, a UT student and president of the UT Student Veterans of America. “College can be a difficult transition. You’re often a little older than those in class with you and have had different experiences. There’s a mutual bond with other military members and connecting with them can help make college a better experience,” said Cox, who served as a U.S. Army specialist in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne in 2007 and 2008.
The morning’s events will conclude in the plaza with remarks from UT Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet Battalion Commander Chaztine Jablonski, a senior majoring in criminal justice. “My time at UT and in ROTC has really changed the meaning and significance of Veterans Day for me,” Jablonski said. “As my understanding of the military and sacrifices of so many women and men has grown, so has my thanks for veterans and members of the armed forces.”
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