Beech Tree News Network

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Members of the campus community gathered Monday morning for a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Guthrie Bell Tower as Western Kentucky University honored the heroes who answered the call to defend freedom.

“We pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Those who have sacrificed so much and those who continue to sacrifice for all of us and for our country,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said.

“This day provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the costs and the blessings of liberty. To remember that in the face of difficulty; in the face of danger; and in the face of sometimes the unknown, our servicemen and women stand firm to protect our freedom,” he said. “They stand tall to preserve our freedom. They stand for freedom. They put everything on the line and sometimes pay the ultimate price.”

President Caboni recognized WKU ROTC cadets for their service and thanked the families and friends of veterans and current military members for the support they have provided and sacrifices they have made.

WKU’s Veterans Day observance continued with the ROTC Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Diddle Arena’s Stansbury Concourse. The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees are COL Taylor Chasteen, a 1981 WKU graduate, and the late CPT Ralph Shrewsbury, a 1942 WKU graduate.

For information, contact WKU ROTC, (270) 745-4293.