The ISU Army ROTC Program teams up with Gold Star Mission and others for Veterans Day Event

Image courtesy of the ISU Army ROTC official Instagram page

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University Army ROTC program and psychology department are teaming up with Student Veterans of America, Gold Star Mission and the Normal Township in honor of the day. 

The event is split into separate parts and will begin at noon in the Prairie Room in the Bone Student Center. After the initial ceremony, the event will move outside for the laying of memorial flowers and a musical performance from a student at the school of music.

It will then move back inside for a panel consisting of members from the various groups answering questions from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

“I think the goal is to appreciate the veterans number one, and spread awareness,” Cadet Natalie Wells said. “It’s open to anybody, so we’re just hoping to get people to come, and the panel portion is a really a big part. You get to ask questions and it’s open to the audience, so they’ll be able to ask some good questions and hopefully try to understand more about Veteran’s Day.”

The idea for a panel was initially proposed by Lt. Col. Steve Cripple to Cadet Lianna Benjamin. Since the beginning of the semester, Cadet Benjamin, Lt. Col. Cripple and Cadet Wells have been scheduling meetings and planning with various departments and organizations, including Gold Star Mission. 

“The Gold Star Mission is ‘always remember, never forget,'” Cadet Benjamin said. “So what this means is the families that have had a fallen soldier whether that’s from combat, other illnesses or even suicide unfortunately are considered a gold star family.” 

The director of Gold Star Mission Eric Murray and two Gold Star Family Representatives will attend the event and help shed light on the mission and values of those who have fallen.

“In ROTC we were involved with the Gold Star mission about a month ago, so we got to meet Eric Murray and a few of the Gold Star families,” Cadet Benjamin said. “I am fortunate enough that I haven’t lost anyone in my family to that, but just hearing how they talk about their fallen soldier and their family members was really impactful.”

Veteran’s Day is nationally recognized on Nov 11 to celebrate those who served. Cadet Wells reflected on the personal importance of this celebratory day. 

“You have to remember them because of them that’s where we are today in the world. I think it’s really important to just recognize them, take a day to appreciate them and all that they’ve done,” Cadet Wells said.