SKYCTC ceremony brings generations together to honor veterans

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College brought students and veterans together Wednesday to recognize military service, and help a younger generation understand the sacrifices behind their freedoms.

The college held its annual Veterans Day ceremony inside the Robert and Mary Tincher Campus Community Center. Students, faculty, staff, veterans and community members attended the event.

Warren Central High School’s JROTC Cadet Corps helped set the tone by opening the ceremony with the presentation of colors.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen., Steven L. Basham, delivered the keynote address. Basham served more than 36 years in the Air Force and held several senior leadership positions, concluding his military career as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Germany.

Charlie Cole, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, said ceremonies like this help younger people understand the role service members have played in protecting the country’s freedoms.

“It’s important for these young folks to have an understanding and a grounding in that, because freedom is not free,” Cole said. “It’s the brave men and women who serve in uniform that give us those freedoms.”

The ceremony also included remarks from SKYCTC Chancellor, Michelle Trawick, and a performance of “America the Beautiful.”

College leaders said the annual tradition provides an opportunity to honor veterans and military families while ensuring the meaning of their service continues beyond Veterans Day.