WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 music 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Good evening Veterans, friends, 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:09.000 and esteemed guests, welcome to the 7th Annual Memorial Day Banquet. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:11.000 I'm Taylor Hahn, your master of 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:15.000 ceremonies for the evening. Before enrolling as a student here at Western Oregon University, 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:17.000 I had the privilege of serving in 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:19.000 the 478 transportation company 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:22.000 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:26.000 Currently, I'm pursuing my passion for chemistry here at WOU and working at 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:29.000 the Veterans Resource Center helping guide 00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:32.000 other student veterans through the college life. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:01:39.000 music, then footsteps of flag bearers 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:42.000 As many of you know, our government loves to turn things into acronyms. 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:46.000 We've all heard the term POW and MIA, 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:49.000 which stand for prisoners of war and missing in action. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:52.000 The POW flag that you may have seen in the lobby before 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:54.000 entering today was instituted by 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:56.000 Congress in August of 1991, 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:59.000 and it's the one common symbol of their sacrifice. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:01:62.000 Many ceremonies are dedicated to our nation's lost. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.000 These next two ceremonies are such examples. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:07.000 At this moment, I'd like to welcome 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 our WOU alumni and recently retired Army 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:12.000 Veteran Colonel Jeff Stewart onto 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:15.000 the stage for the reading of the POW-MIA poem. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:17.000 banquet hall this evening. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:19.000 You may have noticed a small table and a place of 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:23.000 honor, except for one. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:25.000 This table is our way of 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.000 symbolizing the fact that members of 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:32.000 our profession at arms are missing from our midst. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:36.000 They're commonly called POWs or MIAs. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:38.000 We call them brothers and sisters. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:41.000 They're unable to be with us this evening, 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:44.000 and so we remember them. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:47.000 The table set is small, 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:49.000 symbolizing the frailty of 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:53.000 one prisoner alone against his oppressors. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:57.000 Remember, tablecloth is white, 00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:59.000 symbolizing the purity of 00:02:59.000 --> 00:02:61.000 their intentions when they 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:03.000 respond to their countries call. 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:09.000 Remember, there's a single red rose displayed in a vase, 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:12.000 which reminds us of their families and their loved ones. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:16.000 How they keep faith awaiting their return. 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:20.000 Remember, the ribbon tied 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:22.000 so prominently on the vase 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:24.000 is reminiscent of the yellow ribbon 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.000 worn on people's lapels and 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:29.000 embrace of thousands who bear witness 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:32.000 to their unyielding determination to 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.000 demand a proper accounting of those that are missing. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:38.000 The candle is lit, 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:42.000 symbolizing the upward reach of the unconquerable spirit. 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:46.000 Remember, a slice of lemon is on 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:50.000 the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:55.000 Remember, their salt on the bread plate, 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:59.000 symbolic of the families tears while they wait. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:03:63.000 Remember, and the glass is inverted. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:06.000 They cannot toast with us tonight, 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:13.000 but remember, the chair is empty for they are not here. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:15.000 For all of us that served with them and 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:17.000 call them comrades who dependent 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:22.000 upon them in our time of need, relied upon them. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:25.000 They have not forsaken us and we must not forsake 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:31.000 them to those who could not be with us. Remember. 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:35.000 another very special guests who will be 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:39.000 conducting the POW Pledge of Allegiance together with me. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.000 Mr. Jack Frouendiener. 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:45.000 Jack is WOU alumni with a degree in secondary education, 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:48.000 majoring in physical education and social science. 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:51.000 In his service, Jack earned prestigious awards, 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:53.000 including two Purple Hearts, 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:55.000 two silver stars, and numerous other awards. 00:04:55.000 --> 00:04:57.000 We are fortunate that Jack 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:59.000 is able to speak with us tonight. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:04:63.000 Please join me in welcoming Jack Frouendiener to the stage. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:13.000 signifies a prisoner of war that has died. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:16.000 That was killed in action. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:21.000 But before he died he wrote this out. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:26.000 to the Flag. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:31.000 I was a prisoner of war. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:33.000 I have served my country. 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:37.000 I need no one to tell me the allegiance I owe. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:40.000 States of America. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:44.000 I have fought for it. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.000 I have been imprisoned for it. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:49.000 I have died for it. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.000 for which it stands. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:56.000 for me, my love, 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:59.000 my love for my family, 00:05:59.000 --> 00:05:61.000 my love for my friends. 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:05.000 I did not forsake it when I was beaten, 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:09.000 when I was starved, when I was killed. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:12.000 God indivisible. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.000 I have one country, 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:19.000 I worship one God. 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:21.000 Under God I was captured, 00:06:21.000 --> 00:06:24.000 under God I was saved, 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:27.000 under God I have no fear. 00:06:27.000 --> 00:06:30.000 justice for all. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:34.000 liberty, to justice, 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:37.000 my flag represents the best of myself, 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:42.000 my effort, my home, my country. 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:47.000 I will pledge allegiance to the flag, 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:51.000 I will pledge under the love of God. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:53.000 It is my right, 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:55.000 my privilege, my duty. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:58.000 I have earned it. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:06:60.000 Tell me not how. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:02.000 I have given you much, 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:06.000 I am an ex-prisoner of war. 00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:09.000 Take nothing more from me. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:13.000 to the flag. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:17.000 Folks, next we're going to have Jack go ahead and 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:19.000 describe what it means between 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:22.000 the folds of each flag when folding the flag. 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:28.000 that a military funeral, 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:35.000 that 21 GUN salute stands for the sum of numbers of 1776. 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:39.000 You add those numbers up, you've come up with 21. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:42.000 Have you ever noticed the Honor Guard 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:44.000 paste meticulous attention to 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:46.000 the correct folder in 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:50.000 the United States of America flag 13 times. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:52.000 You probably thought it was to symbolize 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:55.000 the original 13 colonies, 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:58.000 but we learn something new every day. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:13.000 flag is a symbol of life. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:17.000 The second fold is a symbol of 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:20.000 the belief in eternal life. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:24.000 The third fold is made in honor and 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:27.000 remembrance of the veterans departing 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:31.000 the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:33.000 the defense of the country to 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:36.000 attain peace throughout the world. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:42.000 The fourth fold represents the weaker nature, 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:46.000 for us American citizens trusting in God, 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:49.000 it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:54.000 as in times of war for His divine guidance. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:58.000 The fifth fold is a tribute to the country, 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:61.000 for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:04.000 our country in dealing with 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:07.000 other countries may she always be right, 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:11.000 but it's still our country right or wrong. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:16.000 The sixth fold is for people's hearts lie. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:18.000 It is with her heart that 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:20.000 they pledge allegiance to the flag of 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:22.000 the United States of America 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:25.000 and the republic for which it stands, 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:27.000 one nation under God 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:31.000 indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:36.000 The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces, 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:40.000 for it is through the armed forces that they protect 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:44.000 their country and their flag against her enemies, 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:47.000 whether they be found within or 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:51.000 without the boundaries of the republic. 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:56.000 The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:58.000 into the valley of the shadow of 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:62.000 death that we might see the light of day. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:07.000 The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers, 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:10.000 for it has been through their faith, their love, 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:14.000 loyalty, and devotion that the character of 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:17.000 the men and women who have 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:20.000 made this country great has been molded. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:23.000 The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:27.000 for he too has given his sons and 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:29.000 daughters for the defense of 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:33.000 their country since they were first born. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:37.000 The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:40.000 King David and King Solomon 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:44.000 and glorifies in the Hebrew eyes of God, 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:48.000 of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:51.000 The 12th fold represents an emblem of 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:55.000 eternity and glorifies in the Christians eyes, 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:58.000 God the Father, the Son, 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:60.000 and the Holy Spirit. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:05.000 The 13th fold or when the flag is completely folded, 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:07.000 the stars are uppermost reminding 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:10.000 them of the nation's motto, 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:13.000 In God We Trust. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:18.000 After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:23.000 it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat ever reminding us of the soldiers who 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:27.000 served under General George Washington and the sailors 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:32.000 and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:35.000 who were followed by their comrades and 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:38.000 shipmates in the armed forces of the United States, 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:41.000 preserving for them the rights, 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:45.000 privileges, and freedoms they enjoy today. 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:48.000 These are some of the traditions and ways 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.000 of doing things that have deep meaning, 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:53.000 and in the future, 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:56.000 you will see flags folded and 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:60.000 now you will know why. Thank you. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:03.000 to go ahead and take 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:06.000 a few minutes to step away from the main purpose of the day in order 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:08.000 to recognize two leaders in our community 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:11.000 for their actions over the past academic year. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:14.000 Our first award is the Student Veteran of the Year, 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:18.000 and this is awarded for demonstrated exemplary performance, 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:20.000 mentorship, and academic excellence. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:23.000 Today marks the seventh presentation of the award. 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:25.000 The recipient will have also demonstrated 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:28.000 leadership and care for their peers at Western, 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:30.000 often the past that has been 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:33.000 noticed through their involvement with SVA, 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:37.000 which is the Student Veterans of America club here at Western. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:40.000 You met a few other numbers earlier today actually. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:42.000 Your MC, Taylor is an example. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:46.000 Your event graders and 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:49.000 many others among us operate that student-led group. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:51.000 Let me tell you a little bit about 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.000 this year's Student Veteran of the Year. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:55.000 This individual is currently actively 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:58.000 serving in the Oregon Air National Guard. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:60.000 It's their third term here at Western. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:02.000 In our first term, 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:04.000 they volunteered to be 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:06.000 a peer mentor with our PAVE program, 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:09.000 which strives to support 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:11.000 incoming military connected students, 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:14.000 helping them acclimate to Western. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:17.000 In their second term, so second term ever here at WOU, 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:19.000 they rose to the call, 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:21.000 rose to the knees and filled the role of 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:24.000 PAVE team leader as some of our previous leadership transitioned 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:27.000 out and they've really 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:29.000 helped cultivate the team's training and 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:31.000 best practices in addition to supporting 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:33.000 future veteran wolves as 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:36.000 they move into Western in a variety of ways. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:39.000 As that same previous leadership moved on, 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:41.000 this individual one stepped up again 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:44.000 to serve as the Student Veterans of America, 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:46.000 so SVA, their club president. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:50.000 A pretty significant increase and responsibilities from their previous involvement. 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:52.000 We have seen SVA reignite over 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:54.000 the past year, consistently planning, 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:59.000 engaging and fun events for greater Western community to be involved in. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:13:61.000 I will slip this in. I recommend you check out 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:05.000 their Instagram if you find time. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:07.000 I am proud to give the 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:09.000 of the Year award 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:12.000 to Brant Morgan. Please, come on out. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:27.000 anything you'd like to 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:30.000 say to your audience? 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:38.000 hard is what I've always been taught. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.000 I'll never stopped on perfect, 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:42.000 but I'll never be perfect, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:45.000 so I'm going to keep working. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:53.000 the second ever presentation of 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:56.000 the Veterans Community Recognition Award is given for 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:58.000 outstanding dedication care and 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:61.000 honoring the veterans of Western Oregon University. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:03.000 This award is open to anyone at 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:06.000 Western or in our local community to receive. 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:08.000 As we know, many of us know, 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:10.000 many who work diligently can go 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:12.000 unrecognized in their silent excellence. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:14.000 This award aims to honor those who go 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:19.000 the extra mile for our community of veterans, 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:22.000 regardless of what type of support that might be and regardless of 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:24.000 the visibility of their achievements. 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:26.000 A few bullet points about the recipient. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:30.000 This is one such individual who, in my opinion, 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:34.000 is very overdue recognition from Western for their silent excellence. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:37.000 I worked closely with this individual now and they 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:39.000 prioritize assisting military students 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:41.000 over their other demands daily, 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:44.000 and they have a lot of demands in their plate, let me tell you. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:48.000 In this communication, it's really top-notch. 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:51.000 They give excellent support to these students. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:53.000 This individual is a constant pillar 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:55.000 of support for our students 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:58.000 and applying for their earned VA education benefits here at Western. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:61.000 They are a subject matter expert and have helped 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:03.000 numerous students receive their full benefits 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:05.000 and negotiate with the VA. 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:07.000 They advise and collaborate with 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:10.000 the director of Veterans Resource Center, which is me, 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:13.000 in addressing policies, communicating issues, 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:15.000 and getting ahead of any new problems 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:17.000 that may come to fruition, 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:20.000 well, before they come to fruition. It's a privilege to present 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:22.000 the second Veterans Community 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:26.000 Recognition Award to David Anderson. But unfortunately, he's not with us today. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:28.000 He's out sick. But in lieu of that, 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:31.000 let's please give him a round of applause, anyway. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:41.000 As General Patton once said, 00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:43.000 that such men died, 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:45.000 but celebrate that such men live." 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:47.000 With this sentiment in mind, 00:17:47.000 --> 00:17:51.000 let us conclude this evening by embracing the opportunity to more socializing, 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:54.000 forging new connections, and respectfully remembering and honoring 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:58.000 the sacrifices of those who paved the way for us.