George Washington University held its observance Friday of the United States 104th commemoration of Veterans Day recognizing and honoring Americans who have served the country on the top floor of the Elliott School of International Affairs City View Room against the backdrop of the Washington, D.C., skyline of monuments.
A poster-sized card at the front of the room carried signatures from the GW community thanking veterans and members of the military for their service, featured a slide show of members of the military on campus and culminated in a buffet brunch. The celebration was emceed by Andrew Sonn, director of military and veteran student services.
The program included remarks from GW President Ellen M. Granberg; Miranda Powell, president of the GW Student Veterans Association, an undergraduate in criminal justice and a Navy veteran; and keynote speaker Baxter Goodly, GW senior associate vice president for facilities planning, construction and management who served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years. Here are some of their words from the ceremony and images from GW Today photographer William Atkins.
"As much as we strive to support our veterans, our veterans and military-connected students make even more significant contributions to the GW community. GW’s military and veteran students bring a unique perspective, experiences and leadership skills to our campuses that enrich every aspect of our university, from classrooms and laboratories to sports and community engagement."
Ellen M. Granberg
GW President
"I would like to remind the veterans standing in front of me, as well as the veterans I will encounter, that without our service, that war, our mission to protect and defend would have been lost," she said. "What mattered is that you stepped up to do the job. What mattered is that you answered the call."
Miranda Powell
GW Student Veterans Association President
Navy veteran
Undergraduate in criminal justice
"While it is important to remember and honor those who chose to serve, it is equally important that we acknowledge the daily struggles that far too many of our fellow veterans endure and commit ourselves to serving those veterans in need."
Baxter Goodly
Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning
Construction and management
Served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years
