On Nov. 11, veterans of the past, present and future were honored for their dedication and willingness to serve in the nation’s military. Whether it be the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or National Guard, this day is significant in bringing together families and friends who have lost loved ones, are actively serving or have ambitions to eventually enlist. The day is often accompanied by messages of hope, how to work through grief and encouragement.
The University of Utah has hosted the Veteran’s Day Commemoration ceremony for the last 27 years. The event honors veterans living across the state of Utah. This year’s ceremony took place last Friday, Nov. 15. At the ceremony, the U’s Veteran Support Center announced that Utah has recognized and told the stories of 307 soldiers in the years they’ve hosted the event.
This year’s event honored 11 Utah veterans. These veterans were Raphael Corley, Richard Davidson, Michael Donnelly, William Essex Jr., Daniel Maynard, Dan Schilling, George “Don” Summit, Ronald Webb Jr., Paul Huber, George Sumner and Thomasania “Tommie” Leydsman, who was the first African-American woman commissioned in the Coast Guard.
The ceremony was filled with dedications, motivational speakers, and inspiring stories about the men and women being recognized for their years of service. Additionally, PHD student Brandon Mowes was presented with the Student Veteran of the Year award.
Chaplin Noé Correa of the Utah National Guard gave opening remarks. He emphasized that everyone can serve, in more ways than one.
“Thank you so much for being here. That thank you goes to everyone, but especially those who served, serve and perhaps will serve because each one of us has been given the opportunity to serve in our communities, in our families and wherever else we might find ourselves,” Correa said.
After his remarks, Correa prayed over the crowd and veterans who were in attendance.
“At this moment I hope that our focus is on that service that we gave, give and will give,” Correa said. “Service is what makes each and every one of us different, are we willing to serve when our community calls? I hope the answer is yes.”
Jennie Taylor was the event’s keynote speaker. Taylor serves as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of Army in Utah. She’s also the mother of seven children and the founder of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. Taylor’s husband, Brent Taylor, was killed on duty in Afghanistan shortly before his 40th birthday in 2019. Taylor has taken the grief she experienced and has used it to help others through speaking at TED talks, visiting schools and more.
Taylor’s message at the Veteran’s Day Commencement ceremony was one of encouragement, love and unity.
“The Declaration of Independence was well known for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the Constitution that came about a decade later is known for the first three words: ‘we the people,'” Taylor said. “They come to mean even more than they meant then, ‘we the people.’ Not any one class or race of people, not any one social demographic of people, but we.”
Taylor emphasized the importance of community while encouraging audience members to contribute to it.
“It is not only those in uniform who are called upon to serve each other. To keep that sacred pledge to each other, it cannot possibly be upon the backs of all the armed members of the military that the price of freedom must be paid. The price of freedom must be paid by we the people by keeping our pledge to each other,” Taylor concluded.