Although Hillsdale will not pause studies in honor of Veterans Day, the college is making sure students remember the sacrifices made by American soldiers, Associate Dean of Men Jeffrey “Chief” Rogers said.
Student veterans will stand watch over a “Missing Man” table in the Knorr Family Dining Hall and the college will host a Veterans Celebration at 7 p.m. in the Howard Music Hall.
Formally known as a POW/MIA table, “Missing Man” tables are a long-standing American tradition consisting of a single round table set for one with a white table cloth, a red rose, and a plate with a slice of lemon and a serving of salt.
Each of the things on the table represent an aspect of the sacrifices made by veterans, according to Rogers.
“I will have a poster made up to explain each of the elements of the table,” he said.
The Veterans Celebration will feature a speech by Associate Professor of History Jason Gehrke.
Gehrke, a captain in the Army Reserves, will discuss the importance of the oath all members of the military take. He will discuss the sacrifices soldiers make on a daily basis, particularly the soldiers who died at the Kabul airport this year.
“Remember right now there are soldiers all across the U.S. that are waking up to perform their duties that will put them in harm’s way,” Gehrke said. “So that we can go about our daily lives without concern.”
Rogers said he hopes to impress the importance of Veterans Day upon the student body.
“People think liberty is a license to do what they want,” Rogers said. “It’s actually a responsibility, so the table is there to remind students of the sacrifices veterans made.”
Rogers encouraged students to take time out of their lunch break to learn about what the table means and remember soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“It’s just a great way to show students the concern we have for those who fight for our freedoms,” Rogers said.
Freshman Sophia Bombaro, whose father, John Bombaro, is a chaplain in the Navy, is glad the college is taking time to ensure Veterans Day is properly honored.
“With my father being in the Navy, I think it’s really important for us to set aside a day to honor those who have served and remember all the sacrifices they have made,” Bombaro said.
