MTSU’s Veterans Memorial Committee celebrated its 28th annual Salute to Armed Forces Day on Saturday with a ceremony to honor the completion of its veterans memorial wall outside of the Tom H. Jackson building.
Robyn Kilpatrick, a member of the committee, said the memorial was the idea of Andrei Korobkov, an associate professor of the political science department.
“Korobkov had students who had died in the Iraqi war,” Kilpatrick said. “He wanted to honor all veterans and soldiers.”
The memorial itself holds the words: “To those who have fallen, who were students first and served their country with honor.”
Kilpatrick said the two students in particular, Army 1st Lt. Ken Ballard and Army Capt. Pierre Piche, inspired Korobkov. Their names can be seen written in the bricks that form the memorial.
The bricks serve as a fundraiser for the committee and are purchased by donors who engrave them with a special message or names.
Robb McDaniel, committee chairman and an associate professor of the political science department, introduced President Sidney McPhee.
“We are indeed proud to salute veterans, active-duty soldiers and their families,” McPhee said.
McPhee said the memorial stands to remind us of the liberties we take for granted and are paid for by soldiers, who may be our friends, our relatives or our co-workers.
McDaniel then introduced Russell Parman, a 2006 alumnus who served in the military.
“I was inspired by the courage of our Founding Fathers,” Parman said. “My generation answered the same call made generations before.
“It is because of the men and women who answer this call that we stand here today, and it is because of the greatest sacrifice of some of those men and women that this memorial stands here as a reminder.”
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Tony Cothron, a 1977 alumnus, said being raised in Middle Tennessee helped him through the troubles exacted on him as a soldier.
“The things I learned in Middle Tennessee carried me,” Cothron said. “This is a memorial for the ultimate sacrifice that lets us live the way we do today.”
Following Cothron was retired Army Maj. Gen. James Myles, a 1974 alumnus.
“The sacrifices they [soldiers] are making will make you proud,” Myles said. “They are protecting your way of life.”
Those interested in purchasing memorial bricks should contact Robyn Kilpatrick by phone at 615-989-5223 or by e-mail rkilpatr@mtsu.edu. The minimum to purchase a brick is $150.
Veterans wall to honor fallen students
Published: Monday, November 16, 2009
Updated: Monday, November 16, 2009 00:11
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