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Veterans, ROTC students, community and University leaders gathered at the Orange County Veterans Memorial for a joint Veterans Day ceremony.
Members of the Carolina community gathered in Chapel Hill on Nov. 11 to commemorate Veterans Day and pay tribute to those who have served in the United States military.
UNC-Chapel Hill ROTC students and University leaders joined local veterans and community and military leaders for the ceremony, which was jointly hosted by the University and Orange County.
“This is the first time that our university and Orange County have come together to celebrate this important day jointly, and it is my honor to be with you,” said Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz. “I want to thank the veterans present and thank you for your service.”
In his remarks, Guskiewicz reflected on how Tar Heel veterans are an integral part of the community and bring their unique experiences to campus to strengthen Carolina.
“Carolina is home to hundreds of student-veterans who served their country before beginning their Tar Heel careers,” he said. “They are a vital part of our university, and I am proud of our recent ranking by the U.S. News & World Report as the 12th best college for veterans.”
Members of Carolina’s ROTC programs salute during the pledge of allegiance. (Photo by Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)
The ceremony’s guest speaker was retired Maj. Gen. George Alan Higgins, a West Point graduate whose domestic and overseas appointments include serving as commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division and assistant deputy chief of staff at the Department of the Army. He was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit Award during his 36 years of active service.
“Today is a special day in the hearts of many Americans who have served with their brothers and sisters,” Higgins said. “Let’s remember, reflect and be aware of the deep debt of gratitude we owe to Americans we call veterans.”
Higgins also gave Carolina’s ROTC cadets advice as they begin their military careers: “Take your duties, your obligations and your responsibilities seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously.”
In reflecting on the many generations of veterans and future military leaders present for the ceremony, Higgins also reminded those gathered of the service members who died in the line of duty and didn’t return.
“These American soldiers drank deeply from the chalice of courage,” Higgins said. “I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the dignity of their death. They died unquestioningly, uncomplaining with faith in their hearts.
“We’re a better university because of the talent and experience our student veterans bring to the classroom”
Established by the trustees in 1984, the William Richardson Davie Award recognizes extraordinary service to the University or society.
The Center for Student Success brings together several offices that help Tar Heels achieve their academic and personal goals.
A master of fine arts student, Matthew Troyer is channeling his experience in the Marine Corps to create photography that shares the military experience with the civilian population and fellow veterans.
Caitlin Russell spent the past six years working on public affairs in the Air Force, flying in Black Hawks and documenting military training exercises. Now she’s in Chapel Hill gaining new skills to take her career to the next level.
Carolina senior Daniel Kutuzov is pursuing a passion for medicine that was inspired by his Army service as a paramedic.
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