Retired Maj. Gen. Joe Robinson, who served more than three decades in the Army, delivered remarks. He said the thanks means something to people who wore the uniform. "It just shows that the country cares," Robinson said. "Nobody made us do it, but we did it voluntarily."
Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders looked ahead. He said younger people need to know freedom has taken an extreme price and will keep taking one. "We are going to need men and women to continue to serve," Hinders said.
For WT, this is personal. Todd Rasberry, the university's vice president for philanthropy and external relationships, said military service helps define the school. Alumni, students, faculty and staff left careers and paused their educations to serve. Some did not come home. The memorial in the middle of campus carries their names.
Robinson also told veterans to remember why they served and the Constitution they promised to support and defend.
His charge fit in two words: keep serving.