By Breegan Petruska
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Grand Rapids Community College held an outdoor ceremony near the GRCC veteran’s memorial.
Megan Meadows and Anastasia Fiorenzo, both sophomores this year at GRCC, opened the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
While this year’s event looked a little different with masks and social distancing, this event was just as special as ever. President Bill Pink spoke about strength, coming together as a country, and shared about his family’s history in the military.
“If we lose our unity as a country, and if we lose civility, then my wife, my son, my brother, and my father would look at us and say, ‘Why did I defend? Why did I give my life? Why did I give?’” said Pink. “Celebrate our veterans today. We definitely celebrate them. But also celebrate the fact that we as a country can indeed be that United States of America.”
Phoenix Noelle and Fred Lazo took turns reading sections from the poem “I am a Veteran.”
“You may not know me the first time we meet, I’m just another you see on the street, but I am the reason you walk and breathe free, I am the reason for your liberty. I am a Veteran.”
Those in attendance shared a moment in silence together as a wreath was placed on our veteran’s memorial. Before leaving, each person placed a flag around that wreath.
