MORGAN ARLEDGE
Staff Writer
Eastern Oklahoma State College’s Veterans Day ceremony happened on Veterans Day at the Student Center Ballroom. The ceremony started out with a Dr. Brandon Hendrix performing a song along with the pledge of allegiance and our national anthem. Dr. Dan Denny, Reverend and Distinguished Alumni, led everyone in prayer.
The two speakers for the event were Zachary Butler and Randy Sims. Butler served in the National Guard and U.S. Army for 14 years (2002 through 2016) as a combat medic specialist. Sims served for 31 years (1977 through 2008) as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Seabees and has been awarded over 30 awards during his service.
Eastern’s Music Department performed with Hannah Posey singing My Country Tis of Thee, Alton Jones Jr. performing Taps on the trumpet and Dr. Brandon Hendrix performed America the Beautiful on piano. Taps is a known song within the U.S. Military to show the respect for the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is typically performed at funerals.
The ceremony also had everyone who had served in the military stand up so others could show them thanks. Everyone who stood up spoke about what branch they served in as well as how many years they served.
