Shippensburg University honors Veterans Day

The Shippensburg University community joined together on Veterans Day to honor the sacrifice of all branches of the United States military. Hosted by the Shippensburg University Military Science Department, and organized by senior Army ROTC cadet Evan Corman, the Veterans Day ceremony brought together the Shippensburg community on a day dedicated to the men and women who risked their lives to keep our nation free and safe.

The speaker of the annual Veterans Day Ceremony was Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Morton, professor of military science at SU. Morton focused on the importance of understanding who U.S. veterans are--emphasizing that all members of each branch come from every walk of life and are not only the ones who have died, but active members, as well.

“We come from every racial and ethnic group – every strata of socioeconomic class – every religion – and from any other group you could possibly cleave out of American society.  And it should be this way.  America’s Army should look like the country she serves,” said Morton.

Morton also debunked some common misconceptions about American military members, specifically stating that veterans are not broken and should be proud of their service.

“I urge the Veterans in the room to be proud of your military and combat service. Not for what you experienced – but rather for strength and resilience that can emerge from struggle. For the growth that comes from difficulty,” said Morton.

Morton ended the ceremony by recognizing Rachael Rudis, a senior History Education major in the Wood Honors College, for her dedication to raising awareness about the American military and providing care packages to troops overseas.

After the ceremony, veterans were invited to enjoy refreshments sponsored by Student Veterans of America at Shippensburg University.