Veterans Day 2011
11-11-11 Missouri State Salutes the Marine Corps
The Alliance for Veterans would like to thank everyone who contributed to make this year's Veterans Day salute such a wonderful success. Visitors began the day to find messages of thanks in chalk on sidewalks all across campus, put there by the College Republicans. The morning's events began in Plaster Student Union Ballroom with breakfast for approximately 400 veterans and their guests. Opening with the MSU Bear Battalion ROTC providing the color guard, the Elder Statesmen sang the National Anthem and the Marine Corps hymn. Introductory words from Interim President Clif M. Smart were followed by a city proclamation by Springfield, MO Mayor Jim O'Neal, then a blessing of the meal by Cass Schreib, USMC Veteran. The keynote speaker of the morning was Captain Andy Koch of the Officer Selection Station in Springfield reflecting on the history and traditions of the USMC and how "our similarities far outweigh the differences" of ages and experiences. Capt. Koch's remarks were followed by a viewing of the annual Marine Corps birthday message. This year's message focuses on the Marine experiences in the two most infamous attacks on American soil in recent history-- Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941 and the airline hijacking attacks of 11 September 2001.
After the breakfast, guests were entertained by "Missouri State’s Own in the USO" in the PSU Food Court. This performance featured MSU faculty, alumnae, and friends. Featured performers were David Clark, Maggie Corry, Patty Moore, Paula Patterson, Jeanie Raney, Carl Redmon, Joyce Redmon, Ron Seney, and Paula Thompson.
Highlighting the day's activities was the second annual Taps Project at Missouri State. Musicians from across the Ozarks were accompanied by escorts from organizations inlcuding Republic Air Force JROTC and the Marine Corps League as they stationed themselves around campus to play the 26 notes of "Taps" after the final stroke of eleven bells on the carillon at 11:00 am.
Mission Statement
The willingness to go into "harms way" to defend our Country from those who would attempt to destroy the freedoms that the United States of America was founded upon constitutes the noblest form of engaged citizenship. As members of this alliance and of a University dedicated to a mission in "public affairs" it is our duty to ensure that the sacrifices made and the deprivations endured by America's courageous military defenders are lifted up as examples to the entire campus community as the kind of action necessary to defend and build our democratic republic.
Motto
semper in memoria ('always remember')
Past Veterans Day Campus Events
- 2010 - Missouri State Salutes the Army
- Major General Fred Marty (Retired) spoke on "Leadership Lessons of the Army" - Fred's Filosophy at the Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast attended by Faculty, Staff, Student, and Community Veterans with their guests.
- After breakfast the Missouri State's Own in the USO performed in the PSU Food Court . MSU faculty, alumnae, and students provided music to commemorate Veterans Day. Featured performers were Maggie Corey, Paula Patterson, and Jeanie Raney.
- "The Taps Project at Missouri State University"
- At 10:45 am trumpeters across campus played the 24 notes of military taps to signify remembrance of the fallen. All paused to listen and to reflect upon those who have sacrificed so much in public service.
- The Jane A. Meyer Carillon Concert followed at 11:00 a.m. with a medley of patriotic songs in honor of all campus and community veterans performed by Dr. Jeremy Chesman
- 2010 - Missouri State Salutes the Army
- 2009 - Missouri State Salutes the Coast Guard
- 2008 - Missouri State Salutes the Navy
- 2007 - Post Vietnam Conflicts
- 2006 - WWII
- 2005 - Women in Uniform
- 2004 - Vietnam
- 2003 - Korea
The Alliance for Veterans Committee would like to say “Thank You” to all of our University units, Community Partners, and Missouri State University faculty, staff and students for their continued support of our Veterans Day Events to honor all those who have served and are currently serving in our US Military.
Veterans History Project
The Alliance partners with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project to capture and preserve the personal recollections of area veterans and of civilians who have supported America's war efforts, providing services, supplies, and expertise in conducting oral histories. Copies of videotaped interviews are provided to the subjects and to the Library of Congress for its permanent collection. Master copies are also archived in Meyer Library for local access and use. We now have more than 400 interviews on file in Meyer Library. http://library.missouristate.edu/archives/speccoll/m013.htm
For further information locally, email Julie A. Johnson (JulieJohnson@missouristate.edu) or email/call Myril Stewart (MyrilStewart@missouristate.edu) at (417) 343-0319.
You can learn about the Library of Congress project and also obtain instructions for conducting your own interview at www.loc.gov/vets. The local archive may be viewed at Meyer Library or by clicking on Meyer Library Archive.