Lauren Shelburne | Banner Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet Sheraya Davisl, sophomore Christian studies major, stands at attention during the Presentation of Colors during the Veteran’s Day ceremony in Stamps Courtyard, Nov. 11. Community Life and the Associated Students of California Baptist University joined together to host on an event for the CBU community to celebrate and honor those who have sacrificed for the United States.
Students gathered in prayer over veterans for the second annual Veterans Day event in Stamps Courtyard Nov. 11.
The Associated Students of California Baptist University and Community Life worked together to educate students on the sacrificial service their fellow student veterans, and veterans overall, have provided.
Jackson Burge, junior kinesiology major and ASCBU executive vice president, shared the passion behind the event, started by Trent Ward, former ASCBU executive president.
“Both Community Life and ASCBU thought it was incredibly important to pay tribute to those that served our country and defended our freedom,” Burge said. “We think that it is important to recognize those among us in the CBU community that have fought for us.”
The event began with an introduction from Makenna Lammons, junior psychology and criminal justice major and ASCBU executive president. Sgt. 1st Class Jason Winkle presented the colors with Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students. Veterans and students stood with their hands over their hearts as Kendall Morris, sophomore communication studies major and ROTC cadet, led the crowd in the national anthem.
After the wreath-laying ceremony led by Steve Leader, academic records coordinator for Veteran Services, Julianne Frye, senior music education major and Petty Officer 2nd Class for the Navy, read a poem celebrating the sacrifice of veterans.
Burge said he appreciates the personal aspect of events like this. Students can take time to stop and appreciate the work of veterans and the freedom they have living in the United States.
“Events like this or the 9/11 event in September are more personal,” Burge said. “These events can bring up different thoughts and emotions in each person. What students can expect to get from this event are unlimited.”
Kendrick Neal, pastor of First Baptist Church of Mira Mesa, shared how he transitioned from marine to pastor. He said God put a calling on his heart that he could not ignore.
“I was ready to go to a nuclear country, but I was not ready to share my faith with my brothers,” Neal said. “We must be the men and women God called us to be.”
The night concluded with the testimony of Michael Lloyd, senior mechanical engineering major and Marine sergeant, a prayer over all the veterans that came to the event.
