Wednesday was a day of celebration to honor our nation’s veterans at the U, as Utah veterans, young and old, gathered with students at the Union.
The U honored 11 military veterans in a full-dress military ceremony in the Union Ballroom. This was the 12th annual ceremony, and past honorees were in attendance to show their appreciation. It was capped off by a booming 21-cannon salute on the south lawn next to the Union, as well as a display of military vehicles.
“The annual event provides a great opportunity for our campus and community to learn more about our veterans’ sacrifices and duty to our country,” said Coralie Alder, chairwoman of the U’s Veterans Day celebrations and spokeswoman for the university. “It is also a great opportunity for U students to recognize and honor many of their colleagues who will soon be called into action or are just returning from combat.”
The day began with an early morning panel discussion moderated by College of Social and Behavior Sciences Dean David Rudd. The discussion went into topics related to medical and psychological treatments for veterans today and the outlooks for the future.
Just this week, U researchers discovered that psychological problems veterans face when they return from war, such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, are physical issues in the brain8212;a discovery that could lead to better treatment.
After the ceremony in the ballroom, everyone was invited to stay for a special reception to honor current U student veterans, with a special performance by the swing and jazz band, The Phoenix Band.
Sky Thai, a freshman in the Air Force ROTC program, was pleased with the events and appreciated honoring the veterans.
“Those who have strived to preserve our freedom are part of everything we are able to do today,” Thai said.
Eddie Schneckloth/The Daily Utah ChronicleMembers of the U.S. Army push a cannon up the walkways of campus to the truck waiting to take it back to Fort Douglas as part of the Veterans Day commemoration.