By Eddie Lopez
Construction in between the A and B buildings did not stop the Columbus community from celebrating our veterans in the annual Veteran’s Day celebration on Friday, Nov. 8.
Despite the relocation from Patriot Plaza, the Eagle and Flag monument, a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice and unwavering patriotism remained a constant as veteran alumni, faculty and students alike gathered to listen to keynote speaker Lane Jackson, class of 2000 share his experience in the military.
Before the ceremony's commencement, the crowd gathered to listen to Mr. Cooper’s rendition of the national anthem using his saxophone and a performance from local bagpiper Jason Wright. Mike Carricarte class of 1959 and decorated Army Ranger joined in on the morning’s performances, delivering a recital of God Bless America alongside Wilbur Bell, Air Force veteran.
Juan Perez, former Miami-Dade Police director, added to the celebration remarking on the sacrifice our nation's heroes make not just abroad but in domestic land as well. His words preceded the keynote speaker’s introduction by the famous Columbus teacher and alumni, John Lynskey.
Keynote speaker Lane Jackson played football during his time at Columbus and later got a nomination to the United States Naval Academy where he continued his football career as a three-year starter and captain for the Midshipman.
After his time in Annapolis, he made his transition into the military by going through the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (BUD/S) needed to become a Navy SEAL. He was assigned to SEAL team eight where he spent his career in the teams and was later honorably discharged from the Navy in 2011.
Jackson made his way back to Columbus currently coaching the linebacker unit on the football team.
During his speech, Jackson recalled a win during his time on the Columbus football team as one of the first moments realizing the foundation of teamwork and getting a taste of success. Jackson displayed his love for his country and community noting that everyone makes a sacrifice for their country in their own right.
“We should all be filled with gratitude for so many things, but today is dedicated to those that made greater sacrifices than you did and that’s what Veterans Day is about, to remember those sacrifices that armed service members did for us as a nation,” Jackson told CCNN.
He was presented with the signature camouflage shirt from the Patriot Club from club President Benjamin Pagliery and Vice President Vincent Keane.
The Columbus community and administration realize the impact of having a veteran presence on campus and hope to display the true meaning of patriotism.
“Hearing Lane Speak, that was from the heart. Those were powerful words from someone who has lived it. The reason we do this event is to honor our veterans but it is also for our students as we want them to understand the commitment that veterans make and why they do it,” said President Kruczek.
“It’s a great chance to look back at the alumni who made the sacrifice to go back into the military. For me, it's a special time to think about what I want to look forward to in my country and what I want my future to look like as well," said Patriot Club president Benjamin Pagliery.
With another year in the books for the Veterans Day celebration, Columbus shines the light on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and reminds students of the reason they have Monday off.
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