From the Clarion Ledger
Tuesday, Nov. 11
James Renick’s father died in combat before he got the chance to meet him when he was just a few months old.
Renick, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State University, remembered his father’s sacrifice today during a morning ceremony on campus.
He also paid tribute to soldiers – retired, active duty and fallen – who severe and defend freedom. “I want to thank the veterans,” he said.
Retired Air Force Maj. Marshand Crisler, the event’s speaker, said Veterans Day is just one day to honor the men and women who selflessly devote giving themselves to a larger cause.
“While the idea of a world without war is appealing, we have to remember over the years our veterans, throughout countless wars and struggles, have liberated oppressed people, ended genocide and toppled terrorist regimes,” he said. “Men and women, from all walks of life, have shared a common bond to defend this nation, no matter the danger of the enemy. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude, not just today, but every day.”
The Jackson State program is one of many being held today throughout the metro to recognize both active military and those retired from service. Communities nationwide are celebrating the national holiday, and President Barack Obama paid tribute by laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. The president also hosted a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House for veterans and their families.
———————-
(Jackson, MS) – Jackson State University’s College of Public Service hosted a Veterans Day Program featuring former City Councilman and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Marshand Crisler on Nov. 11th at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
The event also honored JSU students and faculty in the college who are either veterans or serve on active duty. The college’s School of Social Work, School of Public Policy and Administration and School of Health Science all have students and faculty who have served in various branches of the military.
The program was among a number of activities planned on the campus to honor student veterans on Veterans Day. The JSU Veterans Center, in collaboration with the Crisis Prevention Resource (CPR) Program, hosted a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The speaker was JSU alumnus and 172D Communications Flight Commander, Cydridge Gray. A VA Healthcare Benefits Mobile Unit was located outside the Student Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Veteran Women’s Symposium was held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
“It’s important that we show our support for all that our student veterans do to protect this country,” said Tim Abrams, director of the JSU Veterans Center.