Eyes became teary and cars passed slowly during the playing of taps and a 21-gun-salute at Shafer Tower in a ceremony to honor local and national U.S. veterans.
Wesley Clark, a junior psychology major who went on two tours of duty in Iraq and was injured by a roadside bomb while on a patrol, said Veterans Day is important for both soldiers and students to remember fallen soldiers.
"It's nice to see that America still supports veterans, but it's more important I think on Veterans Day for the veterans to remember brothers they lost," Clark said. "I think that Ball State has a good attitude towards the military and for a school like this to promote this event is a big deal for the students."
Events at the bell tower were followed by remarks from President Jo. Ann Gora; Michael Hicks, director for the Center of Business and Economics Research; and Lt. Jay Brown.
Specialist 4th Class Danny Smith, who served during the Vietnam War, said Veterans Day should be a time to recognize troops, politics aside.
"The most important thing is that they support the troops that are on active duty today regardless of the politics," Smith said. "Whether you agree with the war or not, you've got to support the troops that are in the line of fire."
G.I. Jobs Magazine recently placed Ball State in the top 15 percent of military-friendly schools in the nation.
Tony Williams, builder first class and Delaware County native, spent time in Iraq in 2007. He said it meant a lot to see a group of students show up at Shafter Tower.
"We go through hell over there, and once we're over there, we wonder if anybody cares," Williams said. "If we come home and nobody cares, is that what we want to tell our troops that are over there trying to protect us?"
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