Addressing a crowd that included his wife and 3-month-old son, U.S. Air Force Capt. Carson Kennedy extolled veterans for their courage and honored their sacrifices toward safeguarding the freedoms Americans hold.
Samford University celebrated Veterans Day beneath the flag poles on Sherman Circle, where the Cathedral Brass ensemble performed Sousa and patriotism struck a beholden tone.
“We are particularly fortunate to have veterans among us—students, faculty, staff and alumni—who have dedicated themselves to service in ways that go far beyond the gates of this campus,” said Kennedy, an assistant professor of aerospace studies at Samford. “Whether they serve in times of war or peace, their commitment to something greater than themselves is a reminder of the values we hold as a community: duty, honor and service.”
He called the national holiday a reminder to value American rights of speech, religion and pursuit of happiness, insisting that such freedoms “are not free.”
“Many of our veterans have faced unimaginable hardships, whether physical, mental or emotional, yet despite the challenges they've encountered, they continue to stand strong,” Kennedy said. “They return home, not just as survivors, but as leaders, as mentors, as sources of inspiration to all of us. We're reminded, especially today, of the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to rebuild.”
Samford President Beck A. Taylor, who in 2022 made a point to begin staging a Veterans Day event on campus, offered a prayer for military members:
“Our active guard and reserve service members and our veterans are sacrificing and have sacrificed more than we can imagine. … Collectively, we owe a debt of gratitude to all of those who have bravely served us in defense of the freedoms we enjoy and our very way of life. So, God, we pray, give us hearts of gratitude for those past and present who serve and protect us. And as we offer these prayers of gratitude, we also pray fervently for peace.”
The ceremony featured Dr. Kristin Kenning, professor of music and director of Samford Opera, stirring with a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Brock School of Business professor Rusty Yerkes, who majored in economics and operations research at the U.S. Air Force Academy, led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Samford’s U.S. Air Force ROTC detachment posted the colors, and cadet Nate Loper read a proclamation from U.S. President Joe Biden.
The brass ensemble performed a service song medley saluting the six branches of the Armed Forces, before the ceremony closed with bugles playing “Taps.”
“As we reflect on the history and sacrifices of our veterans, let us also look forward to the future with enthusiasm. This is Veterans Day after all, not Memorial Day,” Kennedy said. “The courage and commitment of our veterans are not just stories of the past, they are living examples of what it means to contribute to a cause greater than oneself. Let us take this inspiration, use it to make our world a better place, to support those in need and to live with purpose and gratitude.”
