Kent State University honored the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Nov. 10 at Risman Plaza.
The ceremony brought together university leaders, veterans, students, faculty, staff and community members to recognize those who have served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and acknowledge the families who support military service members.
This year's keynote speaker was retired U.S. Air Force Col. Nicholas E. Phillips, a 1970 Kent State graduate who also earned his law degree. Phillips reflected on his 35 years of military service and the responsibility each generation has to preserve the nation's legacy as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.
"250 years after the birth of our nation, we are the beneficiaries of an extraordinary legacy, but we are also the caretakers," Phillips said. "The founders gave us the beginning, but our veterans helped preserve what followed. And now it is our responsibility to pass that legacy on to the next generation."
Phillips' connection to Kent State began in 1966, when he arrived on campus for a pre-college conference, stayed overnight in Olson Hall and joined Air Force ROTC. He served in the Air Force from 1966 to 2001, in both active and reserve capacities.
Kent State President Todd Diacon introduced Phillips, highlighting his distinguished military career as a judge advocate, which included helping establish a justice system for more than 14,000 Vietnamese refugees on Wake Island. Phillips received the Legion of Merit for his service.
Diacon also reflected on his own father's military experience. His father joined the U.S. Navy two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, at just 17 years old. After serving as a landing craft pilot in the Pacific during World War II, he used the GI Bill to earn undergraduate and medical degrees from public universities.
Diacon connected his father's experience to the importance of public higher education.
"I would submit that it is still the case that public investment in higher education is the key to advancing our nation's interests and success," Diacon said.
Phillips emphasized that military service creates responsibilities and relationships that extend well beyond a person's time in uniform.
"What does it mean to be a veteran? It means more than having served a certain number of years or having held a particular rank," Phillips said. "It means having made a commitment to the defense of our country. It means having accepted responsibilities that most Americans will never be asked to carry."
He also recognized the families who share in the sacrifices of military service, including spouses who maintain households during deployments, parents who worry about loved ones and children who grow up with an absent parent.
"They served in their own way. Today we honor them, too," Phillips said.
Phillips challenged veterans to continue demonstrating the values they learned through military service, particularly at a time when Americans may disagree on important issues.
"We do not have to agree on every issue to love our country," he said.
He closed with a reminder that a nation's responsibility to its veterans does not end when they return home.
"A nation reveals its character not only by how it sends its men and women into service, but also by how it welcomes them home, remembers their sacrifices and cares for them throughout their lives," Phillips said. "Let us be a nation that remembers. Let us be a community that cares. Let us be citizens who understand that freedom is both a gift and a responsibility."
Remembering the Fallen and Recognizing Military Families
The commemoration also included the national anthem, performed by Stephanie Jones of Kent State's Office of General Counsel, and an invocation by the Rev. Nathan Mahl.
Master of Ceremonies George G. Lemons Jr., a U.S. Navy veteran who has served the Kent State community for more than 25 years, shared a personal story about his introduction to military service. His inspiration came from a brother who served in Vietnam.
Lemons also recognized the contributions of military families and spouses, noting that supporting a service member is among the most challenging roles connected to military life.
A Fallen Comrade Table ceremony offered a moment of remembrance for prisoners of war and those missing in action. Lemons explained the symbolism of the table's white cloth, red rose, yellow ribbon, inverted glass and other items, each representing the sacrifices of missing service members and the families who continue to await answers.
The ceremony concluded with the service song medley while recognizing veterans in attendance and the retiring of the colors.
Lemons, who is preparing to retire from Kent State, also received recognition from Diacon for his 25 years of service to the university and his service in the Navy.
"On behalf of Kent State University and the Veterans Day Commemoration Committee, I thank you all for joining us here today at the ceremony," Lemons said. "Keep us in your heart."
Veterans Day Activities Continued Across Campuses
Tuesday's commemoration was part of a broader series of activities recognizing veterans and remembering those who served.
At noon, veterans and current service members dined at an appreciation luncheon in the second-floor dining room of the Kent Student Center.
At 1 p.m., members of the university community joined the Kent State grounds team in planting daffodil bulbs behind Taylor Hall. The annual planting honors the 58,175 U.S. service members who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The daffodils will serve as a living memorial, returning each spring as a reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The university's Warriors Journey Home Witness Tree Ceremony also took place at 2 p.m. near the Ohio Historical Marker by the Prentice Hall Parking Lot, near Taylor Hall. Ceremonies were held daily from Nov. 1-11, providing an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of veterans, particularly those returning from Vietnam and more recent conflicts, and the lasting effects of war on individuals, families and communities. The gatherings also emphasize healing, understanding and support for veterans.
Another Veterans Day program took place at Kent State's East Liverpool Campus. Faculty member Steve Papalas presented "Our Heroes – Then and Now" from noon-1 p.m. in Room 207 of the Academic Learning Commons in Purinton Hall.
The university's Veterans Day programming continued on Nov. 12, with "An Evening With Wil Haygood – The Vietnam War and the American Military: Patriotism, Service and the American Experience." Haygood, a best-selling author and award-winning journalist, signed books in the Kent State University Bookstore before leading a conversation from 6-7 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Kiva.
His latest book, "The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home," examines the racial tensions that shaped the Vietnam War era and continue to influence the nation. The program was presented by Kent State's Pepsi Leadership Center in partnership with the Center for Adult and Veteran Services and the May 4 Visitors Center.
Kent State continues to demonstrate its commitment to military-connected students. For 2026-2027, the university earned the Military Friendly School designation for the 17th consecutive year, with the Kent Campus receiving Gold status for the third consecutive year. The university also holds the Collegiate Purple Star designation, recognizing its support for veteran and military students.
As Phillips reminded those gathered on Nov. 10, honoring veterans means more than remembering their time in uniform. It means recognizing their contributions, supporting their families and ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.
"Today we honor the living, we remember the fallen, and we thank the families who stood behind our service members," Phillips said. "And today we renew our promise that the service and sacrifice of American veterans will never be forgotten."
