Jarred Walker
In Motion Staff Writer
Daytona State College has always been a school that respects, appreciates and honors veterans. This year was no exception.
As Veteran’s Day approached on Nov. 11, as a way of showing thanks, special free events were held on all DSC’s six campuses in the days prior to commemorating those who served and are currently serving.
On Nov. 9, the Daytona Beach campus held its event in front on the student Landing. Weather was perfect and the crowd of about 50 enjoyed a catered serving of cookies and juice as they got ready for the ceremony to begin at noon. The crowd included a wide range of people such as current and former members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy, along with family members, interested general passers-by and school staff.
The ceremony started with veteran Lonnie D. Thompson, Director of Equity & Inclusion, taking to the podium to deliver the first speech of the day.
“I am honored to preside over this ceremony to recognize and remember all of those who have served our great nation as members of the armed forces. This year, DSC expects to serve approximately 1,200 veterans and their families,” he told the crowd.
He then introduced Chief Master Sgt. Shane Smith who added, “We’re here today to honor our heroes, remember their achievements, their courage and dedication and to say, ‘thank you for your sacrifices.’ You have made our armed forces the most respected in the world. The service members we honor today come from all walks of life, but they share several fundamental qualities. They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity.”
Up next was Stephen Miksits, vice president of the Veterans Club, who explained how adapting to civilian life after the Army was not the easiest, but how he became far more comfortable once he started visiting the Veteran’s Center on campus and ultimately joined the club to which he has risen quickly in the ranks.
After Miksits, President of Florida Rolling Thunder Veteran’s Organization in Volusia County, Rich Malfitano took the microphone to explain the mission of Rolling Thunder, which was created to inform and educate the public on the nearly 84,000 war prisoners left behind and how they are not forgotten.
To conclude the event, the “Missing Man Table” was presented. Each piece on the table symbolizes something of importance, whether it be the white tablecloth (purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms), single rose in the vase (blood they may have shed) or the Bible (their strength gained through fate).