Carolina honors Tar Heel veterans
Annual Veterans Day ceremonies celebrate the students, faculty and staff who serve or have served in the military.
More than 80 people gathered Monday for an annual Veterans Day celebration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States military.
The UNC-Chapel Hill Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC units hosted the event, which celebrated the courageous service and sacrifice of alumni veterans. The ceremony followed the Tar Heel Tribute, an event sponsored by the University’s Division of Workforce Strategy, Equity and Engagement to recognize the contributions of all students, faculty and staff who serve or have served in the military.
Attending both events, Chancellor Carol L. Folt offered her gratitude to all veterans — including the nearly 250 currently enrolled at Carolina — as well as the 23 million Americans who continue to serve today.
“We have quite a strong record of service right here at America’s first public university,” Folt said. “[Military service] is in our DNA, and we thank you for coming here and being a part of that.”
At the ROTC ceremony, retired Marine Corps Capt. Larry Greenwold spoke about his experiences as a veteran of the Vietnam War and offered encouragement to current and future service members.
“[Your decision to serve] will benefit the nation, it will benefit you, and we as veterans are fully on your side,” Greenwold said. “We applaud you, we commend you and we know that you will do well.”
Folt closed the ceremony with a quote from Sen. John McCain, who said, “What a privilege it is to serve this big, boisterous, brawling, intemperate, striving, daring, beautiful, bountiful, brave, magnificent country.”
“Thank you to all the veterans and all who are currently serving and will serve this big, boisterous, great and magnificent country,” Folt said. “It’s an honor to be with you, and thank you.”
