November 11th is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War 1 in 1918. Armistice Day became Veterans Day, and today several ceremonies took place to commemorate the occasion, including Western Iowa Tech Community College.
“In recognition of Veterans Day, we are holding this event.”
The president of Western Iowa Tech greets students and the community for a short ceremony to honor members of the military.
“We also welcome all of our veterans here today.”
There’s a presentation of the Colors by the 185th Air Refueling Wing and the singing of the National Anthem and a tribute to the POW/MIA by Army Sgt. First Class and WITCC Instructor Bill Koontz.
“We will never forget.”
Rhonda, Briggs, a Psychology instructor at the college, is the faculty advisory for the Military Club who organized the Veteran’s Day Celebration.
“We have a lot of military learners and teachers and staff on campus and no one really recognized Veterans Day and someone from the Military Club decided we need to do something so this kind of sprung out of that.”
Briggs came to Western Iowa Tech after retiring from the 185th 15-years ago.
“What does this day mean to you?”
“For me, it’s the people who didn’t come home That’s the main thing, it’s the people that gave all. It’s important to recognize them.”