Marietta College lays wreath at ceremony to honor veterans
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The rain cleared long enough for students and staff to attend the outside wreath laying ceremony Wednesday morning at Marietta College.
College President Bill Ruud recounted his time in the military, then quoted past presidents and others regarding military service.
"I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity as a United States Army veteran to have served my country," he explained. "As (his wife) Judy will tell you, it's one of my most valuable memories and I've met some of the finest individuals in the world serving in the United States military."
He told attendees to remember there are still warriors around the world who are fighting for their freedom "each and every day and making sacrifices."
"For those of you who don't know why the 11th of November … the end of the first World War was on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month," he declared. "That's why we celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11."
He said the day was for all veterans, not just those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but all who have served.
"As I always say, we need to learn that freedom is not free," Ruud added.
Katie Kitchen, a 22-year-old MC senior who is a double major in English and political science with a minor in leadership studies, started the program with an early memory.
"My earliest memory of Veterans Day is at Harmar's for assembly, surrounded by servicemen and women in my family that I brought," she said. "I was proud of them even though I didn't really understand what their service had given me, and what it had cost them."
She said service is the act of placing country before self.
"It's one of the greatest things we can ask any member of society. The men and women who serve and sometimes sacrifice deserve our utmost respect and utmost gratitude," she noted.
Ruud read quotes from Winston Churchill, Gold Star mother Debbie Lee, former President George W. Bush, and former President Harry S. Truman regarding military service.
¯ "Never in the history of mankind has so much been owed by so many to so few." – Winston Churchill at the end of World War 2.
¯ "Real courage was what our troops -- my heroes -- face everyday. Real courage is being willing to give up your right to everything you want for your future, your memories from your past, and even, if need be, your life to make a better place for others in America." – Debbie Lee, the first Gold Star mother to visit the battlefield where her son died.
¯ "We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. They are dedicated. They are honorable. They represent the best of our country, and we are grateful." – former President George W. Bush.
¯ "America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job, whatever the job was, at hand. We as Americans can do that." – former President Harry S. Truman.
Ruud said if someone sees a veteran, thank them.
"Simply say thank you for your service and for what you've done," he said. "Thank them for their service whatever it may have been, for whatever it may have been in, and wherever they may have done it."