Cal State LA honored the men and women who have served and are serving our nation during a moving Veterans Day Ceremony.
Members of the Marine Corps presented the colors, and two armored Humvees were on display during the Monday afternoon event on the plaza of the University-Student Union. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were on hand to enroll veterans in the VA healthcare system.
The November 14 ceremony featured addresses by President William A. Covino and retired Air Force Colonel Lisa Firmin, who is the associate provost for veteran and military affairs at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
The president was introduced by veteran and Cal State LA student Edward Tellez. He served in the Army for 20 years and had three combat deployments, earning three Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantry Badge.
“This nation owes a debt of gratitude to veterans. Because they answered the call to serve, our nation enjoys freedoms that define us as Americans,” Covino told the crowd assembled on the sun-splashed plaza.
The president noted that veterans contribute greatly to the vibrant student life and vital intellectual discourse at Cal State LA. This semester, there are 440 student veterans studying at Cal State LA and another nearly 300 students who are connected to the military.
Firmin spoke about the rich diversity of our nation’s military ranks and emphasized that veterans understand the meaning of sacrifice. “It’s ingrained in our constitution,” she said.
The director of the Veterans Resource Center, Dani Molina, reminded the crowd of the importance of Monday’s gathering. “We must always honor our military veterans and the sacrifices they have made.”
Photo: Members of the Marine Corps presenting the colors during today's Veterans Day Ceremony at Cal State LA. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA)
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Cal State LA is a university dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 27,000 students and 247,000 distinguished alumni, who are as diverse as the city we serve. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Cal State LA has long been recognized as an engine of economic and social mobility. Led by an award-winning faculty, the University offers nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education and the humanities.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex, TV, Film and Media Center and the Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.
11/14/16