Multiple events planned to mark Veterans Day

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior and retired U.S. Army Spc. Magnum Brock believes the Veterans Day events across the campuses strike a balance between remembering troops who lost their lives serving and celebrating those who survived.

"It's hard not to swell with pride," said Brock, who is a student worker for UNG's Veteran and Adult Learners program.

The former intelligence analyst, who is majoring in digital arts, is participating in the National Roll Call on the Gainesville Campus.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 on the patio in front of the Student Center, UNG students, faculty and staff will recite the names of service members from Georgia killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Among those fallen service members are eight UNG alumni: Thomas E. Vitagliano (Iraq), Charles H. Warren (Iraq), Jeremy A. Chandler (Afghanistan), Paul Saylor (Iraq), Mitch Young (Afghanistan), Kevin M. Jenrette (Afghanistan), Andrew H. McConnell (Afghanistan), and Weston C. Lee (Iraq).

UNG community members can also have their family members who served in the military during any conflict and were killed in action in or are still living added to the list. Community members may also sign up to read names.

Brock said the National Roll Call is especially significant.

"I don't think many people can understand the gravity of seeing your friends give their lives," Brock said. "The Roll Call helps us feel that connection to their sacrifice."

While the Gainesville Campus celebrates in this single event, UNG's Corps of Cadets will participate in two events in Lumpkin County. The first will be a ceremony for veterans at 3 p.m. Nov. 9 in Memorial Hall Gym on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. The second will be the Lumpkin County Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. Nov. 10.

Cadet Zachary Navara, a senior from Columbus, Georgia, majoring in international affairs, said veterans should be appreciated year-round, but the holiday provides a great chance to remind civilians of veterans' service.

"It gives people a chance to hone in and appreciate those veterans at least one day a year," Navara said. "I'm glad that the Corps of Cadets puts it on every year."

The Golden Eagle Band serves as the official musical representative of UNG and the Corps of Cadets. It will play selections at the Memorial Hall Gym as part of the Veterans Day ceremony. The band has a mix of cadets and civilian students.

Dr. Bart Walters, interim director of the Golden Eagle Band, is an 11-year veteran himself, having been part of the Army band system as a saxophonist. He sees UNG as having the unique perspective of bringing together veterans and cadets who will become veterans for the holiday.

"It's important to honor those that have come before us and instill it in those that are moving forward," Walters said.