Veteran’s Day is an important time for many in this country as it offers an opportunity to reflect and appreciate those who have served for our country.
This year, Veteran’s Day falls on Nov. 11 but is officially observed on Nov. 12.
Many schools give students time off to observe the holiday in their own way. Sinclair held its own event last week called Veterans Appreciation Week to give students a way to be involved and reflect.
“Veterans Appreciation week is where we take the week to recognize all of our veterans on campus; may that be staff or students,” says Emily Demeter from the Veteran Services office.
The week offered events such as the Dayton Remembrance Walk, the Courseview Remembrance Walk and T-Shirts and Automotive Oil Change giveaways for current Sinclair Veteran and Service Member students along with other events throughout.
The series of events allow multiple programs and offices to come together and remember the service provided by veterans, which brings more awareness to the whole campus.
The first day of the week, Monday, all campuses were closed to observe Veteran’s Day.
After Monday, multiple events were held throughout the week, one being the Dayton Remembrance Walk.
The walk took place between buildings 14 and 17; students received flags that they placed around campus. It allowed them time to reflect and contemplate, as well as having a chance to sign a banner that is hung for veterans. They also made out holiday cards that were sent to those who are currently serving.
At the end of the walk, a Multi-Faith Closing Ceremony was held which gave attendees a chance to reflect and think about veterans and their families.
“We typically sing a song and say a little prayer, and a few minutes are taken for a moment of silence to remember all those who have passed and their family members and how everyone has been affected by what our veterans and service members do,” said Emily.
There was also a Remembrance Walk held at the Courseview campus on Nov. 14 that included appreciation and holiday cards as well as food and drinks.
For the entire week, current Sinclair Veterans and Service Members were able to enter and receive free T-Shirts and automotive oil change giveaways during the week.
Although Sinclair has always celebrated veterans for at least a day in the past, Veterans Appreciation Week is a relatively new event, starting in 2015.
Several students were also able to get involved with the series of events, helping with the various Remembrance Walks.
Other opportunities for students to get involved with helping veterans include events like the Sweats for Vets campaign that was held this past October.
Many veterans attend classes at Sinclair, and many of them have a unique set of experiences. Being able to listen to them and hear their stories is one way to appreciate them year round.
Veterans Appreciation Week gave many opportunities for those in the community to reflect on and appreciate those who have provided and sacrificed for our country.
Sean Kahle
Staff Writer