Princeton University veterans were recognized for their military service during an annual Veterans Day service inside the university’s chapel.
This tradition has been organized on Nov. 11 for about 15 years.
The service was designed to recognize the current employees who are veterans at the university and honor alumni veterans who have passed away this past year.
“It is always my hope that people have the opportunity to take a pause and remember the service of veterans once a year. They make sacrifices for the country on everyone’s behalf,” said Lt. Col. Spencer Reynolds. “Most veterans are very modest about their service and do not insist on any public recognition. It is all the more [reason] that we take a pause and recognize those who have served or are serving.”
Reynolds presided over the event and is in his 20th year of service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an armor officer.
“I think it is all the more important that veterans be recognized and that people remember the historical significance of the day, as the end of the first world war,” he said. “Even though the 20th century ended up with its share of really desperate conflict, still the world has been able to – from World War I – found the United Nations and think about ways that it can try to lessen the impact of conflict around the world, and that is very important too.”
He said it is a true privilege to serve.
“To serve with the caliber of people I have had the opportunity to serve with, it is endlessly inspiring and keeps me thinking about all the positive aspects of what our country has going for it,” Reynolds said. “In a time when we can be endlessly divided there are lots of things that still unite us and that is important. It is great that the community and university have the resources to be able to offer their local community events to honor those serving and who have served. It is fantastic.”
Retired Col. Paul Miles taught military and diplomatic history at Princeton University and was the keynote speaker at the event. He spoke to those in attendance about what Veterans Day means to veterans and the country.
“What meaning do veterans attach to their military service – the answer is that there are multiple meanings,” Miles said. “Service in the military brings opportunity to serve in a larger cause and contribute to the nation’s security. It affords the opportunity to interact with a proud cross section of American society. The opportunity to know and appreciate people from various walks of life. Military service also offers lessons in teamwork and the opportunity to improve oneself and to advance within this meritocratic institution.”
The Veterans Day Service had the presentation of the colors, a musical meditation from Mary Rorro and a singing rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Kenneth Grayson.
The service also paid homage to the 14 veteran employees who had passed away this past year.
“On this Nov. 11, 2019, let us remember the ones no longer with us, but all those who are still with us,” Miles said. “Indeed, those who are present today in this chapel at Princeton University and thank them for their service.”