DUBOIS – The Penn State DuBois Veterans Club organized Veterans Day ceremonies around the flagpole on campus on Nov. 11.
The featured speaker for the event was Scott Davis, a Vietnam veteran, Penn State DuBois alumnus and the founding president of the campus Veterans Club. Â Davis and his fellow veteran students established the club in 1975 in order to continue the camaraderie they shared with fellow soldier while on active duty.
Davis highlighted some history of Veterans Day as he noted that this year is a significant anniversary for the holiday. He said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the enactment of Public Law 510, which elevated Armistice Day, the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918, commemorating the end of hostilities in World War I, to a national legal holiday. Since 1954, it has been known as Veterans Day, dedicated to honor the memory of the men and women who valiantly served and sacrificed on so many fronts throughout our nation’s history.”
Davis also asked those in attendance to recognize military veterans, as well as their families, for the sacrifices they all make.
“Warriors endure long separations from the families, miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures, bake in deserts, lose limbs, and far too often, loose their lives,” Davis said. “Military spouses have careers interrupted, face frequent changes of address, and a disproportionate share of parental responsibilities.
“The children of the military often experience changes in schools, separation from friends, and hardest of all, live with the uncertainty of whether or not mom or dad will come home from their combat tour. But, through their blood, service and sacrifice, veterans have given us freedom, security, and the greatest nation on earth.”
Davis also encouraged members of the audience to extend their thanks when they see a veteran. He said, “If you happen to see a veteran saluting the flag at a football game or a parade, a simple thank you will likely warm a grateful, albeit well-worn heart.”
The ceremony was rounded out by the performance of patriotic musical selections by the campus choir, under the direction of Paul Fehrenbach.
