Celebrating our veterans
This year’s Veterans Day celebration kicked off at 10 a.m., Nov. 11, in Atrium II. A huge American flag adorned the atrium, hanging down from the banister of the third floor and creating a patriotic backdrop.
William Staples, UHCL president, who is also an Army veteran, opened the ceremony with a few remarks.
“The 2010 U.S. Census stated there were 21.8 million veterans in the United States with 1.6 million veterans residing in Texas,” Staples said. “At UHCL we are proud to have an area designated as Liberty Park with the Liberty Park Gazebo, the Veterans Scholarship Endowment and our Captain Wendell M. Wilson Office of Veteran Services, which opened in 2013 and was named for Captain Wilson in 2014…to all our veterans, thank you for your service and welcome to the University of Houston-Clear Lake.”
This is the 12th year that UHCL has celebrated Veterans Day. The first Veterans Day celebration at UHCL took place Nov. 11, 2003 in Liberty Park, located behind the Student Services Classroom Building.
In addition to the UHCL community, the atrium was filled with different military personnel, veterans, family, friends and onlookers of all ages.
The invocation was led by Jack Leavell, U.S. Air Force veteran and chaplain, followed by the presentation of the colors courtesy of Clear Lake High School Army JROTC Color Guard. The raising of the colors was performed by UHCL Police Department Honor Guard followed by the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
Staples recognized all veterans, current military personnel and their families by asking them to stand preceding a moment of silence and the ringing of the veterans bell.
The ceremony’s guest speaker was John Boerstler, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and executive director of NextOp, a company that serves the nation’s veterans by providing career placement assistance, mentorship and support in their transition into industry with a particular focus on energy and Houston.
“I would like to stress the positivity of Veterans Day,” Boerstler said. “Honoring those who serve and those who will serve: Veteran’s Day is about celebrating service. I am here to let others know the many roles of our veterans. They are our astronauts, our doctors, our lawyers, our business owners, not just what the media covers about the negative aspects such as post dramatic stress disorder. Vets are continually contributing and serving our community.”
In his final remarks, Boerstler noted that, “Houston is the best place for veterans.”
Other activities included performances by the Clear Falls High School choir, “The Village Voices,” led by Jill Fetty, head director, and Jonny Cochran, assistant director. There was also a motorcade, which was parked on the west side entrance of the Bayou Building displaying vintage military vehicles. Decorated vets from the Clear Lake area displayed military memorabilia, and the Cyber Security Institute, which provides research and education services to strengthen the region’s efforts of securing cyberspace and cyber systems, table was offering 30 percent off their entire program.
“It’s a privilege to thank those who have served our country; thank them for their service,” said Kris Thompson, senior coordinator of alumni relations. “It’s a celebration; these are the ones who came back, and it is a great way to bring everyone together for a celebration.”
Jay Hernandez, office assistant in the Veterans Service Office, joined the Army right out of high school. Hernandez said he was not a very good student or a very well-behaved child; the military taught him discipline.
“I spent 12 very long years in the military, but it helped to discipline me,” Hernandez said. “The military is one of those places you promote yourself, study hard and work hard and you will get out of it what you put into it. This discipline has transferred over to my career, home and family life.”
The program ended promptly at 11:30 a.m. followed with a free lunch in Atrium I. Hot dogs, chips and drinks were available for all in attendance.
“This event was sponsored by the Office of University Advancement and Captain Wendell Wilson Veteran Services Office,” Thompson said. “Trisha Ruiz and Jay Hernandez, along with others in the Veteran Services Office, worked tirelessly to make sure this event was possible and that the veterans were well recognized.”
Nicholas Page, a veteran and graduate student in the Digital Media Studies program, said it’s important to recognize the contributions of our veterans.
“Veterans Day to me is important because the men and women who have served before us and are currently serving are making a great sacrifice, and it’s important to show them that we care, and we appreciate all that they have done,” Page said.
VIDEO: Office of Veteran Services provide assistance to veteran students in need
Video shot and edited by The Signal reporter Matt Rogers.
