NSU celebrates Veterans Day

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon •

The university celebrated Veterans Day at the Armed Forces Service Plaza at Forman Field on Nov. 11 outside the William and Norma Horvitz Administration Building.

Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, spoke during the celebration. He referenced the end of World War I when commemorating veterans.

“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, this nation recognizes, honors and celebrates the veterans who have served this country and looks to those who will serve in the future that are gathered here today,” Moon said. “It is my great honor on behalf of the 22,000 students, faculty, staff and administration of the university to welcome you all today.”

During the event, Nadja West, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, former surgeon general of the U.S. Army and keynote speaker for NSU’s celebration of Veterans Day, spoke about why celebrating Veterans Day is special to her.

“What I find most valuable about our veterans is that they are citizens who voluntarily raised their hand and made the commitment to support and defend our Constitution, knowing that they might be required to put themselves in harm’s way and to make the ultimate sacrifice,” West said.

Matthew Chenworth, senior director of NSU Military Affairs, hopes that students who attended realize that there are many veterans within the NSU community.

“I just want students to know that service in the military is a very noble cause and an opportunity that exists for them in many different fields,” Chenworth said.

Caitlin Chmelik, junior exercise and sports science major and NSU ROTC cadet, said she attended the event to learn how the speakers grew during and after military service.

“Today is about connecting with the veterans here. We can learn future and past lessons from them,” Chmelik said. “It’s a chance to connect with them and learn from their experiences.”

Zachary Vasquez, senior psychology major and Army veteran, said it is significant for NSU to celebrate its veterans.

“It’s such a prestigious university,” Vasquez said. “There’s a lot of things going on and I think that when it comes down to it, we need to take a step back and realize that we need to show our support and our appreciation to veterans.”

Daniel J. Alfonso, executive vice president for Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Business Services, is also an Army veteran. He believes Veterans Day is a way to honor the service of military personnel.

“It is important for us to recognize the efforts of those people that volunteered and gave their time and effort and energy to serve this country,” Alfonso said.

After the celebration, Moon said that part of NSU’s purpose is to continue supporting veterans.

“I think it’s very important for veterans who are coming back and integrating back into society. We need to talk to them,” Moon said. “We need to embrace them. They need to know that we are a larger community of one.”