Veterans Day at SFSC
SFSC hosted its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Alan J. Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC.
Julio Nieves, Criminal Justice coordinator, served as master of ceremonies. Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees, welcomed those in attendance.
U.S. Air Force veteran John Eason, vice chair of SFSC’s District Board of Trustees, delivered the official remarks during the ceremony. He said, “This day has special significance. It was at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 that the guns of World War I fell silent. The Armistice was signed, marking the end of what would be called ‘the war to end all wars.’ The following year, that day became known as Armistice Day. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress recognized that service to our country reached far beyond one generation or one war. In 1954, Armistice Day was officially named Veterans Day. It would honor all who served in peace or in war, at home or abroad — every man and woman who has stepped forward to serve our nation. That’s why we gather today. Veterans Day is a day of remembrance, reflection, and renewed gratitude.”
Daniel Pepin, an SFSC student and U.S. Army veteran, explained that he and other veterans challenge themselves to be the best they can be. He said that their role is not only to fight oversees to preserve our way of life. They often provide supplies and aid to Americans who are victims of natural or man-made disasters. “On veterans Day, we should all give thanks to every federal and state military who give the ultimate sacrifice, whether serving oversees in defense of our nation or traveling across state lines to help people in need,” he said.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office presented the colors during the ceremony and the Avon Park High School Show Choir performed the National Anthem.
Bishop Dr. Ben Carter gave the benediction for the ceremony – Psalm 91, the “Soldier’s Psalm.” He told the story of “a commander of the U.S. Army’s 91st Infantry Division [who] gave each of his soldiers a card with the 91st Psalm printed on it. Soldiers took the cards into battle with the hope of being kept safe.” Dr. Carter said that over the years, Psalm 91 became known as the “Soldier’s Psalm” and American troops have been known to read it before going on patrol.
