Nov. 11, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College proudly saluted students, employees and family who served in the Armed Forces during an annual Veterans Day commemoration on Wednesday.
The observance included recognition of attendees who served, poetry, music from students and faculty, and placing a wreath and flags at GRCC’s memorial to students who gave their lives in service to the country.
GRCC President Bill Pink reflected on the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by students Anastasia Fiorenzo and Megan Meadows, and noted how the valiant soldiers must have found comfort in seeing the flag still waving above Fort McHenry as the smoke cleared.
"Today we have a battle that is easy for us to get discouraged about. A virus. Social and racial injustices that we are recognizing. Those battles are still waging on. In spite of all that we are fighting today, that flag is still there,” he said.
“We are still a proud country. Just as that flag gave people solace, and a feeling of, 'We are going to be OK,' help that flag do the same thing for you today. We will get to the other side of this. It is because of sacrifice that you get past things like this. That's why we honor our veterans today. That flag is still there. We still stand as a country. We still stand for what we need to, which is unity and civility."