MURFREESBORO — MTSU’s
Veterans Memorial Committee recognized Cold War vets with their annual service
to kick off activities surrounding the 34th Salute to Armed Services
Game.
But veterans from World War II forward received the royal
treatment during the daylong festivities surrounding the Blue Raiders’
Conference USA football game against visiting Marshall in Floyd Stadium.
Between the approximately 30-minute memorial service outside
the Tom H. Jackson Building and football game — complete with special Band of
Blue halftime salute — there was a military science ROTC-sponsored picnic,
Vets’ Village and plenty of activities for them and their families and friends.
To view video
from the morning memorial service, visit https://youtu.be/lgfpU0NY4fk.
Nearly 600 vets and their family members attended the picnic
and game.
Since 1982, MTSU has dedicated one football game to thank
U.S. servicemen and servicewomen in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and
Coast Guard for their sacrifices for Americans’ freedom.
“A strong and prepared military can prevent war,” said MTSU
alumnus and retired U.S. Army Col. Mark Benedict (Class of ’85), the guest
speaker for the midmorning memorial service on the cool, overcast day. “Nations
who go to war often target the weak and unprepared first.”
“Today, we owe a debt of gratitude to all veterans who served
to preserve the fragile peace in Europe,” Benedict added. “Some of their names
are on this beautiful (stone) memorial. Some died in combat; some died in
training accidents. But men and women from every state in the Union performed
their duty with honor. Today, we remember their sacrifices and the victory they
accomplished for our nation and the world. Thank you for honoring them with
your presence here today.”
During the picnic, Andy Womack, an MTSU alumnus and
Murfreesboro businessman, received the Joe Nunley Sr. Award from the Nunley
committee for his service to his country as a Vietnam vet and community.
Eddie Lynch of Smyrna, Tennessee, president of the Vietnam
Veterans 1089 chapter for Rutherford County, said he “thinks it’s a great thing
for Vietnam Vets to get together like this for a football game.”
MTSU computer science alumnus Frank Forbes (’72) of
Nashville, who served from 1966-70 with the U.S. Army Security Agency, attends
the game almost every year.
“I haven’t made them all, but I have made most of them,” he
said. “It’s awesome. I don’t know of any other school that does this. The Band
of Blue covers the entire field at halftime. I do everything I can to support
and promote it.”
U.S. Marines collected Toys for Tots at various parts of the
stadium before the game.
The MTSU Department of Athletics-sponsored ‘Salute’ events
ended a major week for the university, which witnessed the grand opening the
$329,000 Veterans and Military Family Center on the first floor of Keathley
University Center.
Womack (’70) told the audience “the event (Vet Center grand
opening) was one of the best I’ve ever been to. I have never been prouder of my
school.”
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