Tusculum College honored those who have served in the U.S. military during a special program Friday to commemorate Veteran’s Day on campus.
Scott Duffy
Two Tusculum students who have served in the military participated in the program held at outside the main entrance of the Niswonger Commons. Scott Duffy of Afton, who served 17 years in the U.S. Air Force before coming to Tusculum to pursue a degree, read Abraham Lincoln’s “Letter to Mrs. Bixby.”
President Lincoln wrote to the widow who lost more than one son in the Civil War, “I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
Cory Callahan
Cory Callahan of Bristol, who served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard in Florida, read the poem, “They Did Their Share,” by Joann Fuchs. The poem encourages Americans to thank veterans for their service.
“All of them did their share,” Callahan read. “No matter what the duty for low pay and little glory, these soldiers gave up normal lives for duties mundane and gory. Let every veteran be honored, Don’t let politics get in the way. Without them, freedom would have died; what they did, we can’t repay.”
Dr. Tom Stein, vice president of enrollment management, shared the history of Veteran’s Day, which started as Armistice Day to honor those who served during World War I. Following World War II, the holiday’s named was changed by Congress to Veteran’s Day to honor all those who have served in the nation’s military.
Mark Stokes, director of religious life, community and church relations, read a passage of scripture from John 15 that includes Jesus’ words, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
The Pioneer Band performed the National Anthem and a musical salute to the military services. As each branch of the service’s theme song was played, members of the audience who served in that branch were asked to step forward to be recognized.
The service was sponsored by the Tusculum College Staff Council with assistance in its organization by Stokes, who served in the Marines. The entrance of the Niswonger Commons was decorated with flags by Tim Ford, a member of Tusculum’s facilities management team who served in the Marines.
The Pioneer Band plays a musical salute the military services during the Veteran’s Day program at Tusculum College.