Cameron, 434 Brigade leaders commemorate Veterans Day

Cameron University held its Veterans Day ceremony Monday.

Colonel Reginald White, commander of the 434 Field Artillery Brigade, gave remarks, along with Interim President of Cameron University Jari Askins and Vice President for University Advancement Albert Johnson Jr.

The ceremony took place in the Veterans Grove lawn, surrounded by some of the 7,000 flags placed by volunteers.

“A lot of what I’m thinking about (today) … one: all those who came before us, and the sacrifices, and the foundation that they laid for us to be here today, to serve as we serve. And two: how much I think I owe, and the need to give back. Especially to future generations, to teach them what right looks like as we hand over the torch to them,” said White.

“For me Veterans Day is an opportunity to just remember those who chose to be involved in protecting this country,” said Askins. “The chance to say thank you, even to the memory of my father, who served in the Navy back in WWII. And hopefully to challenge and inspire the young men and women of today so that they will also choose to join a military career.”

The event highlighted a long standing partnership between the military community of Fort Sill and Cameron University.

For decades, according to Askins, the university and Fort Sill have had close ties, through providing educational opportunities for veterans, active service members, and their families. Cameron also has had opportunities to provide training for the work force of Fort Sill.

“The most important word that we can continue to say is ‘thank you,’” said Askins.