This week, we will honor a group of defenders – the military veterans who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the service of our country. For more than two centuries, our nation’s servicemembers have bravely faced incredibly demanding situations in training, deployments, and combat. In recent years we have commemorated that historical contribution by gathering at the World War One memorial on Coleman Hill, a fitting place to acknowledge the service of veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in military service. We shall gather again at 11:00AM this week on Coleman Hill, at that symbolically significant moment of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Other Veterans Day activities are also occurring across our campuses and can be found on Inside MGA.
Today, only 7% of the current U.S. population are veterans. We should then consider ourselves fortunate for the veterans we have within our MGA community. This unique group of students, faculty and staff enrich our campuses with their experiences and perspectives. From their examples of service, let us consider how we might serve others.
At Middle Georgia State, we identify ourselves as “Knights,” calling to mind history’s brave warriors who took oaths to protect those under their care. Being a Knight means being part of a community, and as members of that community, it is incumbent upon each of us to be of service in our own unique way. No matter what form our service takes – volunteer work, helping a classmate or colleague, sharing with those less fortunate, or simply taking the simple step of picking up a scrap of litter as we hurry through your day – it is a vital and irreplaceable part of the life of our community. Service is how we, as Knights, improve the world around us.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, let’s take the time to thank those that have served for demonstrating honor and sacrifice. The spouses and children that have served alongside the servicemember also deserve our collective thanks. We salute you all for your service.
Be Well,
Chris