By Alexis Clark
Tennessee State University honored the brave men and women who served our country at its annual Veterans Day Observance on November 11. The theme for this year’s ceremony, ‘Honoring All Who Have Served’, highlighted all veterans at TSU and beyond but also the shared sense of duty that unites them.
Lt. Col. Stephen Cash, USAF Commander of AFROTC Detachment 790 at TSU, served as the tribute speaker for the event. Cash noted that the gathering paid homage to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of our nation’s veterans.
“Veterans Day is a sacred time when we pause, reflect, and express our gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military,” Cash said. “It is a day to recognize those who answered our nation’s call to service, those who defended our freedoms, and those who have shaped the history and future of our country through their bravery.”
Dr. Gregory Clark, the Director of Veterans Affairs and Master of Ceremony for the program, honored all TSU faculty and staff who are active-duty service members and veterans, acknowledging their contributions to our country’s history and future through their bravery.
“Our nation honors our sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met,” Clark said. “Today it is our privilege to say thank you to all American veterans to let them know we appreciate them for their service and honor. The price of freedom is high, we cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it.”
Dr. Robbie Melton, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also paid homage to the late Dr. Curtis Johnson, former Master of Ceremony, Chief of Staff, and Vice President of Administration, who passed away on September 3, 2024.
Highlights of the event included a wreath laying ceremony conducted by TSU Interim President Dr. Ronald Johnson and Lt. Col. Cash.
“I want to thank all of you for coming out and extending your love for those who have served our country,” Dr. Johnson said during the ceremony. “It’s important that this love is seen, so people understand that we care, because our freedom is the result of their service.”
The program featured a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner sung by TSU students, led by choir director Jasmine Fripp. There was also a dramatic reading by TSU freshman Chloe Spearmon.
TSU Police Department Commander Tony Blakely, one of many TSU veterans recognized at the event, expressed gratitude for the program and the university’s commitment to acknowledging veterans.
“I think it’s an outstanding program when you can commemorate those who have served to protect the United States,” Blakely said, who served in the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
“Many of these individuals were in foreign lands while we were able to enjoy comfort, and because of their sacrifice, we’re able to do what we’re doing now.”
As the TSU program concluded, attendees reflected on the sacrifices made by veterans not only within the TSU family, but across the nation.