The annual Veterans Day program was held Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Student Center Ballroom.
The program was put on by the Veterans Center, with help from the Music Department and College of Performing and Visual Arts. 11 veterans were honored for their exceptional service.
The event opened with a speech by retired Col. Kevin Jacobson, who is a professor at Southern Utah University and the chair of the political science and criminal justice department. He spoke about the motivations of war and public virtue, closing by asking the audience “to pay veterans the tribute we owe”.
Before the presentation of the honored veterans, the SUU Wind Symphony and Opus Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Adam Lambert, performed a rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The event was organized by Jeff Hunt, a former aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force. He’s worked with the event since 2017.
“It’s a nice event to come together with the community and campus to honor our veterans,” said Hunt.
Col. Alva L. Matheson, an attendee at the event, is a graduate of SUU, who received his Associate’s Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1962. He’s a sponsor of the aviation program and has been coming to the event for 31 years.. He thought the show was wonderful.
Tyler Bradford, the secretary for the SUU ROTC, has two great-grandfathers who served in the Korean War. He’s always felt a strong pull towards the military and is grateful for veterans.
“(The Veteran’s Day Program) is a great way to honor the veterans who’ve given so much, and a great way to give back,” said Bradford.
