The ceremony started with a welcome by Ferrum Provost Dr. Aimé Sposato followed by the convocation which was read by Ferrum Board of Trustee member Colonel Retired Judson P. “Jud” Mason. Following the convocation, Ferrum President Dr. David Johns gave the history of Veterans Day which was previously called Armistice Day.
The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony was Sergeant Major Retired Diane Ellwein from South Dakota. In 1981 Ellwein enlisted in the Army National Guard in South Dakota and held numerous positions during her active duty. In all Ellwein served in the Army National Guard for a total of 40 years and earned numerous awards for her service.
Before joining the Army National Guard Ellwein enrolled in ROTC courses while attending Northern State College in South Dakota in the fall of 1979. The ROTC courses that Ellwein took encouraged her to enlist in the National Guard. At the time Ellwein enlisted only 1.3% of the army was female and today over 20% of the army is female.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Ellwein and her husband volunteered for active duty and left their teaching positions behind, and were both stationed in Washington D.C.
While in D.C. she helped those who were wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“With the help of our chaplains, we would unload litter after litter of service members, men, and women, who were loaded into ambulances to be taken to Walter Reid Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Before the ambulances headed out we would pray over each and every soldier and then the next day we would go visit them in the hospital,” said Ellwein.
Ellwein commented on the men and women who were in the hospital and just longed to go back to war with their fellow service members.
“I remember seeing soldiers that had lost a limb or an eye, the profound words of these service members are a true statement of patriotism, faith, camaraderie, and strength,” said Ellwein.
While speaking at this year’s ceremony Ellwein reflected on the story of Dustin who was a member of the National Guard and ended up receiving an injury while in war. Before going to war Dustin studied to be a physical education teacher.
“His unit was ambushed in Fallujah [Iraq] and he was caught in a firefight. He ended up losing both of his legs above the knee,” said Ellwein.
Dustin went on to receive the Purple Heart in his hospital room with his wife and four children surrounding him.
Following the story of Dustin, Ellwein reflected on the ceremony that takes place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia in honor of soldiers who lost their lives. At the cemetery members of the US Army Old Guard place flags at each headstone on Memorial Day.
“It’s a way of honoring military members who sacrificed their lives for our country,” said Ellwein.
Ellwein closed by recognizing other veterans throughout the United States and the legacy that veterans have left behind. In addition to recognizing the veterans, Ellwein also spoke on the veterans that have struggled to find housing and health care and those that have taken their own lives.
While ending on a somber note Ellwein encouraged those in the audience to love and respect the United States, go out and vote, and be kind to everyone they meet.
Following Ellwein Ferrum Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kevin Reilly took a moment to recognize current faculty, staff, and students who have served and are actively serving in the military.
After recognizing those in the Ferrum community who have served or are currently serving in the military John Acord a Ferrum College Police Officer and retired soldier gave closing remarks and invited those watching the ceremony to sing Ferrum’s alma mater.
Following the alma mater, Ferrum President Dr. David Johns thanked everyone in attendance at the ceremony and urged everyone to honor all veterans by doing something meaningful.
In case you missed it the Veterans Day Ceremony can still be viewed on Ferrum’s Facebook page.