Winston-Salem State University’s Army ROTC held its annual “Veterans Day Salute” on Nov. 10 in remembrance of all the men and women who have stepped up and served the state and national government whole heartedly. Veterans Day was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices that the men and women made during World War I, also known as “the War to end all Wars,” which ended at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, when an armistice was signed. Congress passed legislation to make this day a Federal holiday in 1938, 20 years after the war ended. Armistice Day was renamed by President Eisenhower in 1954 to become the observance that is recognized throughout America today. Guest speaker, Retired Col. Willie C. Jordan, spoke to an audience of veterans, students and guests about freedom, democracy and liberty. Jordan is a 1978 graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a B.A. in Science and Physical Education. He served 25 years in the armed forces. Jordan reminded listeners to “not only give thanks for Veterans’ sacrifice, but to give thanks for what we have: freedom, democracy and the American way.”
For Jordan, the day represents sacrifice, travel, family and a commitment to a cause.”Today, Veterans Day 2006, seize the opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to our former soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard men, marines and soldiers,” he said. The ceremony was concluded with a wreath laying ceremony and the playing of “Taps,” the familiar military bugle call traditionally performed memorialize fallen soldiers.