CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Parkland College paused to honor the nation’s veterans — reflecting on peace, sacrifice, and freedom during its annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Dr. Pam Lau, Parkland’s president, reminded the audience of Veterans Day’s origins when President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day in 1919. Quoting Wilson, Washington, and Ronald Reagan, Lau said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction.” She thanked all who have served for their “unwavering commitment to our nation” and recognized the Parkland Student Veterans Association for organizing the event. Dr. Lau spoke about the courage of those who choose to wear the uniform and “take an oath to defend the citizens of this great nation.”
Dr. Maureen Banks, chair of the Parkland College Board of Trustees, and trustee Carolyn Ragsdale were among those attending.
Army National Guard recruiter Caleb Williams talked about the purpose behind service, saying, “People need to realize the military works to help us keep freedom lots of countries don’t experience. They sacrifice their lives not expecting anything out of it.”
The ceremony also included a presentation of veterans and the order of service by Maurice Taylor, a Parkland admissions associate and Navy veteran. Members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy were asked to stand as they were honored. Taylor also gave final remarks of thanks to honor men and women in uniform, and to thank those who have served in the past.
The event’s guest speaker, Jason Sakowski, a Marine Corps veteran and former Parkland student, shared his personal journey from military life to civilian education. After serving several overseas combat deployments—to Iraq and Afghanistan—Sakowski transitioned into higher education, earning his master’s at the University of Illinois.
Now the assistant director of Veteran Student Support Services at the university’s Chez Veterans Center, Sakowski called the facility “one of the area’s best-kept secrets,” describing it as a one-stop resource for returning veterans. He talked about how they offer support, academic, and career services, and social programs that connect military students with one another and with the community.
Sakowski also offered advice on how to honor veterans every day: “Listen. Support. Keep their stories alive,” Sakowski said. “Tell them, ‘I see you. Thank you. I stand with you.’ Show them you care — with your minds, your actions, and your hearts.”