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VWU Honors Veterans
Featured speaker, Samuel Jones, encourages audience to 'be the best American you can every day'
University News | November 10, 2023
Virginia Wesleyan’s Veterans Day Ceremony opened with the entrance of the VWU and ODU Army ROTC Color Guard. Enrollment counselor Lars Neel ’21 sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” and the invocation was delivered by Director of Campus Ministries Marie Porter. Dr. Garrett Wood, assistant professor of management, business and economics served as master of ceremonies.
“We at Virginia Wesleyan are exceptionally proud of our Marlin veterans—a vital component of our community made up of current students, faculty, staff, and hundreds of alumni,” said President Scott D. Miller in his welcoming remarks. “You have gone above and beyond your citizens’ duty by volunteering your lives and answering when your country has called.”
President Miller introduced the featured speaker, United States Naval Officer and VWU Men’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach Samuel Jones, who joined Virginia Wesleyan in the spring of 2018 as a volunteer assistant men’s lacrosse coach. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Jones was a prolific starter for the Midshipmen, becoming one of their men’s lacrosse program's top attackmen. Following graduation, Jones served our country as a Navy SEAL, a distinction that exemplifies his extraordinary dedication and resilience.
“He served our country with honor, undertaking some of the most demanding responsibilities and missions required of the armed forces,” noted Dr. Miller. “His experiences as a Navy SEAL have shaped his character and instilled in him the values of teamwork, leadership, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”
During his address, Jones reflected on the history of Veterans Day, originally named Armistice Day, which was first celebrated in 1919, in remembrance of the end of World War I. He talked about his confidence in America and in those who serve.
“For the past 100 years, the men and women of this nation have answered their country’s call every single time. Every single time. I have seen first-hand the sacrifices and struggles your ‘average’ American is willing to endure; not just for our great country, but just as equally for their comrades.”
Jones noted that this sacrifice does not come without a cost and “a debt impossible to repay.” He shared thoughts on what he, and some of his friends and colleagues, believe are the best ways to honor our veterans.
“Be the best American you can every day.” Even though that may be difficult to define at times. And, remember “all we have is each other,” an important lesson he learned from an instructor during his early years in the Navy, that still sticks with him today. “When it is your time to meet the moment, you can have all the knowledge, training and skill in the world, but it will mean nothing if you are alone.”
Finally, he shared the unique advantage those on a college campus hold when it comes to being a good American. “In your different and various roles as professors, advisors, administrators and coaches, you will teach, mentor and lead hundreds—if not thousands—of young people throughout your careers. They will watch your every move; they will parrot you; they will mimic you; they will learn from you; and in some form or fashion, they will reflect you as they move forward in life.”
Jones reminded students that “the whole world is at their fingertips. “You will decide what the future of this country looks like and my hope is that you will remember those who have sacrificed to achieve that opportunity on your behalf.”
After Jones’ remarks, Luke Dobrin, Boy Scout Troop 259 of Chesapeake, Virginia, played “Taps” on bagpipes to honor those we have lost. Henry Handley ’23, offered a prayer of Thanksgiving, and Lars Neel sang “Amazing Grace.”
VWU’s Veterans Day ceremony was coordinated by Marion Hibbler, director of lifelong learning and Jennifer Sands, assistant director of financial aid/Virginia certifying official.
Learn more about the Army ROTC program and Veterans Support Services at Virginia Wesleyan University.