WKU observes veterans with wreath-laying ceremony

On Friday morning, Western Kentucky University chose to observe Veteran’s Day, which is on Sunday, with a special wreath-laying ceremony at the Guthrie Bell Tower to honor all the servicemen and servicewomen who serve, or have served, the United States of America.

“Thank you for the support you’ve provided, and for the personal sacrifices you also have made,” said Western Kentucky University President Timothy Caboni. “We honor you today as well. Thank you for offering so much including your lives for all of us here today and for our beloved country.”

The ceremony began with the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner, and concluded with the playing of Taps, offering the chance for those in attendance to remember the lives of veterans past and present.

“ We pause to reflect on the freedom that each one of us enjoys,” Caboni said. “Freedom that indeed is not free.”

WKU students and faculty, veterans and their families, and other members of this community gathered at the base of the tower for the ceremony, one that also included the unveiling of a new panel to be added to the tower’s walls in honor of the 100th anniversary of the WKU ROTC program.

In addition to a speech by President Caboni, U.S. State Representative Brett Guthrie, who’s uncle is the man the Guthrie Bell Tower was named after, shared remarks, as well as Kentucky Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton.

“My charge to all of you is to live your life as though freedom really matters, because it does,” Hampton said.
It’s a freedom that we, as Americans, would never get the chance to enjoy if it weren’t for the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of our fallen veterans.

“We know that the price our veterans paid came at a higher cost than most,” said Caboni. “We remain grateful for each of them.”
Following the ceremony, a ROTC Hall of Fame induction celebration took place in the Jack and Jackie Harbaugh Club at Houchens Inudstries-L.T. Smith Stadium.