By Chris Post / Editor-in-Chief

Missouri Valley University students recognized veterans in their families and paid tribute to others who served during a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 hosted by the university’s Historical Society.

The service combined personal reflections, music and readings with reminders of the sacrifices made by military members and the families who wait for them to return home.

Charlotte Hoffman, a Historical Society member and university cheerleader, recognized her grandfather, Charles Hoffman II, who served during World War II, and her brothers, who served in Afghanistan.

“Many of us have families who have served our nation,” Hoffman said. “Let us all think of those special individuals now and give them thanks for their service.”

History professor Tiffany Bergman performed the national anthem. The program also included an invocation, a reading of John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” and a performance of “God Bless America” by Bathsheba Love-Burkett.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that military service often requires leaving behind homes, families, jobs and familiar surroundings. Their remarks recognized service members across generations, including those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

A vacant chair draped with a prisoner of war and missing in action flag represented those who have not returned home. The tribute also recognized families still waiting for answers about missing loved ones.

Yellow ribbons around trees on the campus quad served as another reminder of the people affected by military service. The ribbons represented loved ones serving away from home and the hope of welcoming them back.

The program called attention to spouses carrying on at home, children missing their parents and other family members awaiting the safe return of those deployed.

Organizers thanked members of the Malta Bend American Legion and others who helped with the service. The ceremony’s closing honors included a three-rifle volley and the sounding of taps in remembrance of fallen service members.

The closing remarks encouraged attendees to carry their appreciation beyond the annual observance by thanking veterans when they encounter them.