Let us remember

Kirtland Community College paid tribute to those who have served in the United States military during a ceremony at the Grayling campus on Thursday, November 10, one day prior to Veterans Day.

Matthew R. Rice, Communications and Marketing Director for Kirtland Community College, said the event – which included a cake-cutting ceremony – was designed to “honor all past, present, and future men and women who serve in the armed forces.” Kirtland students, Kirtland staff, veterans, and other guests attended the event.

During the ceremony, Kemmoree Duncombe, KCC Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Certifying Official, said it was a “fitting” day for the ceremony because it was the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps.

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much that we can live free,” Duncombe said.

Duncombe finished with a quote from the song “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.

“‘I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me.’ We don’t know them all, but we owe them,” Duncombe said.

Kirtland Community College officials – during the beginning of the ceremony – also mentioned that the college has received an official “Veteran-Friendly” status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The MVAA is “a state government agency” that is “housed within (the) Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” according to the State of Michigan.

“Kirtland recently was awarded and recognized as a Michigan Gold Star Veteran Friendly Institution,” Kirtland Community College officials said. “The appointment came after Kirtland had met specific criteria, laid out by the state, showcasing that we are not only veteran friendly but also a premier choice for veteran students. Our first gold star rating since moving to our new campus in Grayling.”

“The Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students,” according to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “These institutions are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs.”