LC observes Veterans Day, names student veteran keynote speaker

With Laredo College’s roots as a former military base, it seemed only fitting for an intimate group of veterans, students, faculty and guests to gather at the Pvt. David B. Barkley Cantu Veterans Memorial Chapel for its annual Veterans Day Observance honoring those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

Veterans from the various military branches were in attendance as the Laredo College Police Department Honor Guard presented the United States and Texas flags. The flags stood as enduring symbols of freedom and sacrifice which all attending veterans once fought to defend.

Laredo College student and U.S. Navy Veteran, Petty Officer Third Class Jimmy Savage, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the bond between the college and the veteran community.

“Veterans are the guardians of our freedoms, we protect the rights that defend America, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of opportunity and the value of justice, equality and liberty,” Savage said. “Veterans remind us that freedom is never free; it is earned and deserved through sacrifice.”

LC Board of Trustees President Esteban Rangel and LC President Dr. Minita Ramírez welcomed attendees and expressed their gratitude for the ongoing contributions of veterans within the college and the greater Laredo community.

“Through your example, you remind us that service does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues through leadership, mentorship and pursuit of education,” Rangel said.

Dr. Ramírez said that the tribute was very personal. She added that her father, an army veteran of the Korean conflict, and those in attendance, their fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, all believed deeply in the nation’s promise.

“To our veterans, active-duty service members and military families, from the bottom of our hearts we say thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice, for your courage and steadfast commitment to the ideals that are set forth in the U.S. Constitution,” she said.

As the ceremony concluded, the deep connection among veterans became evident as they greeted one another with firm handshakes, embraces and smiles, catching up on news and sharing in remembrance of their brothers and sisters in arms.