Veterans were honored Tuesday at many area organizations as the nation observed Veteran's Day. One place where events took place was Missouri State University. KSMU's Michele Skalicky was there and has this report.
Temperatures didn’t get above the mid 30s Tuesday, but that didn’t stop people from getting outside to observe Veteran’s Day on the Missouri State University campus.
The day began in the Plaster Student Union with the Veterans Recognition Breakfast and then moved outside where the 135th Army Band played patriotic music for anyone who dared to brave the cold.
Music
Michael Davis is a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 993 in Springfield and is one of 55 people who make up the MSU Veterans Student Organization.
"For me, it's an honor and a privilege to be part of the ceremonies and the events today, you know, just to be one of the veterans and everybody coming together. It's just an honor and a privilege," he said.
The cold didn’t dampen his enthusiasm.
"It wouldn't matter if it was snow and ice--I would be here today," he said.
Music
At 11 o’clock, 60 trumpets from the MSU Band, the University Community Band, Ava High School and Springfield played the National Anthem.
National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
After the Pledge of Allegiance, it was time for the Taps Project, and the trumpet players fanned out across campus.
Jonathan Miranda is president of the Veterans Student Organization.
"The Taps Project is mainly just to be able to bring recognition to those that have fallen, those that have served and those that are gonna serve," he said.
There are several verses of Taps, but perhaps the most fitting one for today is this:
Go to Sleep, Peaceful Sleep
May the Soldier or Sailor
God Keep
On the Land or the Deep
Safe in Sleep
As he stood near the American Flag at Plaster Sports Complex, MSU music professor Dr. John Prescott began the cascade across campus.
Taps
