The sound of Reveille rippled across the campus of PennWest-Clarion University on Friday morning, announcing the start of the school’s annual Veterans Day Service. Members of the university’s ROTC program conducted the flag-raising ceremony.
“There are three special days in November, Election Day, Thanksgiving and Veterans Day,” said state Rep. R. Lee James, a Navy veteran who served as guest speaker. “Without the third one, you wouldn’t have the first two.”
James, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee in Harrisburg, said there are 15 bills before the panel that are designed to help veterans.
Sgt. William Cartagena, a 19-year member of the Army, recited the elements of the Table of Remembrance commemorating those missing in action or are prisoners of war.
The PennWest-Clarion choir sang the national anthem and “Amazing Grace”.
A breakfast was held for the veterans and their families in the Eagles Commons.