On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015, the Military and Veterans Club (MVC) hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony outside of the Miron Student Center (MSC). On that cloudy day, students, faculty, staff, and visitors came to the ceremony to remember those who had served for this great country.

“The heroism that has been demonstrated time and time again by our veterans from the American Revolution to the global war on terrorism is sometimes unnoticed by those who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided,” says Elio Bustamante, the Vice President and Director of Public Relations of MVC. Bustamante is currently a junior majoring in psychology and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Elio Bustamante, the Vice President and Director of Public Relations of MVC
Veteran of the United States Marine Corps
Ojilvis Nunez l The Cougar’s Byte

Many people will not know what it means to go into combat and be uncertain about what will happen next. The veterans that served our country have gone through a lot, something that a majority of the United States (U.S.) population will not understand. Veterans Day is a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for this country’s freedom.

As Bustamante says, “you cannot fight a war without veterans, and while the idea of a world without war is appealing, let’s not forget that war has liberated slaves, stopped genocide and combated terrorism.”

During the ceremony, attendees stood quietly through the salute of the flag, the singing of “Amazing Grace,” “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” through a moment of silence and through a few prayers for those who had and who will serve. Also, the members of the Linden High School New Jersey Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Program presented the Presentation of Colors.

Not only did Bustamante give a fabulous opening speech, but the President of MVC, Dionicio Estrella, a senior majoring in Psychology, also welcomed the attendees with a few words. Estrella spoke shortly, commenting that “we are gathered here today to pay tribute to all those veterans who selflessly gave their lives in battle, and those who continue to guard our nation with courage and heroism.”

Amilcar Colon, the Undersheriff of Union County, was the keynote speaker of the ceremony. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served in Saudi Arabia. He begins his speech about Veterans Day by commenting on an Instagram post that spoke of people who join the United States Military.

“They have to know that they are writing a check at the age of 19 with something that will conclude with their life.” Serving for this country, or any country, is not to be taken lightly. Colon continues to say “that 22 veterans a day commit suicide because of [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder] PTSD…but I want to thank these ladies and gentleman that are continuing their education and fighting the monster inside of them from whatever they saw overseas.”

All in all we shall remember those who have served this country that is cherished day by day. This nation and its people wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for veterans. “Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. citizens can claim the title of veterans,” says Bustamante, “and far less than one percent is currently defending the U.S. on the global war of terrorism. Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth.”

Veterans Day Ceremony; to honor those who served
Ojilvis Nunez l The Cougar’s Byte