The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

The Student News Site of North Carolina A&T State University

The A&T Register

Veterans Day program hosted by Veterans and Disabilities

“Forgive me soldier. Forgive my right hand for pointing you to the flawless tree line now outlined in my brain. There was so much blood sky at daybreak in Pleiku, but I won’t say those infernal guns blinded me on that hill.”

Those were the opening words Nov. 11, by Roy C. White, the keynote speaker, at A&T’s Veterans and Disability Support Services (VDSS) annual Veterans Day Program in the Memorial Student Union.

The program was an opportunity to honor and recognize students, faculty and staff who serve and have served our country.

“Our goal is to provide support for our military students transitioning to the classroom environment and we are committed to providing advice concerning their education and career goals,” says Sarah Torrence, Certifying Official for the Office of VDSS. “The purpose of the program is to honor those men and women who serves or has served in the US Armed forces and to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for us.”  

The atmosphere was one of respect and solemn remembrance as the colors were posted by A&T’s ROTC. Many veterans, young and old, fellowshipped together with the community, students, faculty and city officials, on a day set aside for them.

“I’m being honored for something I did. It’s a day respecting men and women who fought for us,” said Eldred Hopkins, a junior sociology and social work major and Army Personnel Administrative Specialist, when asked what the holiday means to him.

The program continued with the singing of “America the Beautiful” by Tosha Dalton, Executive Assistant of Student Affairs and greetings by Melody Pierce, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

The purpose was given by Specialist Deon Williams, a junior finance major, and the Invocation by Angela Dubose, director of the Office of the Treasurer. A buffet-style lunch followed.

Introduction of the speaker was given by A&T’s Air Force ROTC commander, LTC Robert Payne, Jr.

Payne described White as someone who “epitomizes what we expect from the Air Force or ROTC cadet.”

White, an alumnus and president of the Wilson V. Eagleson chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. began his speech by reciting the poem “Please,” written during the Vietnam War by Yusef Komunyahaa.  

White graduated from A&T in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. While a student here, he served as, president of the student government association, president of the junior class, founder of the Tidewater/Albemarle Club and a ROTC cadet. White later went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force for  20 years where he received numerous awards.

The retiree spoke about various subjects such as Agent Orange, the Buffalo Soldiers, Civil War Colored Vets, and African Americans in the service and the racism they faced, Pearl Harbor and the Tuskegee Airman.

White told the story of the how Tuskegee Airman. He also brought attention what some veterans may go through, such as homeliness, depression, substance and alcohol abuse and unemployment.  White ended with a few words from Robert Frost poem “The Road less Traveled.”

The Office of VDSS presented veterans with a certificate and mugs as thanks for serving the country. They also provided handbooks and information telling where veterans can receive discounts.

The Dean of Students, Judy Rashid, and the A&T ROTC’s retrieval of the colors, gave closing remarks.

“It was an excellent program honoring veterans and some of our sacred citizens. A&T has a great history of being involved in movements. While we fought for civil rights at home, there are Aggies who fought for our freedom,” says Jim Kee, City of Greensboro Councilman for District Two.

  • Chanel Davis
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