The Lion’s Roar / Megan McCormick
On November 11, students and faculty gathered in Friendship Circle to celebrate Veteran’s Day. The National Roll Call event included the names of fallen soldiers from OIF and OEF. Following the roll call was a moment of silence and a speech by Dr. William Robison.

For the fourth year in a row, Southeastern was named a 2016 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the publisher of “G.I. Jobs.”

To get this recognition, the campus must have excelled in such categories including military support, graduation and employment outcomes and career and job counseling services.

“It is important for us to be a military friendly school and participate in events such as Veteran’s Day to honor all those who have sacrificed so much for us,” said Veteran Services counselor Sophie Sciortino.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Veteran Services hosted the National Roll Call. Forty-eight schools had participated in this year’s Roll Call, and six were from Louisiana.

“I put together the National Roll Call event,” said Sciortino. “This is a nationwide event in which universities can sign their school up to participate. I also had free food and a raffle for all Veterans at the office.” 

The National Remembrance Day Roll Call event was held in Friendship Circle. Students, faculty and staff and veterans joined to honor those who had fallen during the OIF/OEF. 

Beginning the ceremony, Justin Albritton from the music department played the National Anthem.

Following him was presentation of the National Roll Call by Financial Aid director and veteran Charles Cambre.

After listening to the roll call, everyone was asked to take a moment of silence.

History and political science professor Dr. William Robison also spoke at the event giving those in attendance insight on what Veteran’s Day meant to him.

Daughter of Navy veteran who served from 1984 to 1997 and sophomore nursing major Amanda Dacosta enjoyed listening to Dr. Robison.

“My favorite part of the program was the speech given by one of the history professors here on campus,” said Dacosta. “He told us one of his most memorable experiences at Southeastern, and that was the story of a Marine alumni. This Marine endured tremendous hardships as a result of his service but was able to obtain his degree. Due to his PTSD, he asked for a private graduation ceremony, which the history professor attended. The professor expressed how this event not only gave joy to the Marine, but also to himself.”

Students, including Dacosta, walked away from the event with new insight not only regarding veterans but also in respect to everyday life.

“This heartwarming story depicted how we do not need a direct relation to someone in the military, such as a family member, to be thankful towards, but that we can still be touched by those whom we may know just as an acquaintance,” said Dacosta.

Being a part of a military family has helped Dacosta to gain a better appreciation for those who have served the United States.

“These soldiers endure great impediments to protect this country and those in it,” said Dacosta. “These men and women choose to give up their lives, time with their family and friends, and a normal day-to-day routine for those dear to them and complete strangers. And, in most cases, they endure just as many obstacles on the battlefield as they do once they return; whether from injury, trauma, etc. Their sacrifices allow each of us to enjoy and experience the ‘American Dream.’”

The National Roll Call event was a success; however, Sciortino hopes to improve the event for next year.

“Next year we hope to have more activities throughout the day in hopes of getting more of the student body, faculty and staff involved,” said Sciortino.