The Student Veterans Committee honored past, present and future servicemen and women with an annual Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday morning.

Chris Siders, a sophomore psychology major and chair of the committee, said the ceremony was meant to honor all those involved in the United States military.

“We are not only honoring those who have served, but those who are serving and those who will serve,” Siders said.

After refreshments outside the CUB auditorium, an audience of veterans, WSU ROTC, community members and students filed inside for the half-hour presentation.

Matt Gosney, a student veteran who served for seven years in the Navy as a Corpsman and acted as medic for the Marine Corps, spoke about honor, responsibility, and duty as a veteran. He said that his time in the service taught him something new every day.

“I have a greater appreciation for life,” Gosney said. “Responsibility does not end or die when we take that uniform off.” Gosney said that anyone who ever has or ever will wear the uniform of the United States military will always have a duty to his or her country, community, family and themselves.

“We have been called the heroes of America,” he said. “I’m proud of the heritage that comes with being a veteran. We’re going to leave that same legacy.” He said part of the duty that comes with swearing service to the United States of America is the duty to be a role model, both in and out of uniform.

Being a role model, Gosney said, consists of emulating the values learned in the military so that others want to acquire those same values.

“Just be yourself,” he said. “There’s always a lot of youth out there looking for someone to look up to. We need to be that person.” At the conclusion of Gosney’s speech, the Cougar Battalion Army ROTC color guard led a procession to the WSU Veterans Memorial. After a moment of silence in honor of those lost while serving their country, the traditional wreath laying, honor guard and taps concluded the ceremony.

Pam Snyder, a senior humanities major and ASWSU District 9 Senator, said she hopes students remember what servicemen and women have done for them by looking at them with respect and gratitude.

“It’s important to me to honor the people protecting our country,” Snyder said.

Robyn and Nicki Leonard, both third year veterinary students, came to the ceremony to honor family and friends from the service, including their grandfather.

“I was impressed and surprised with how much they’ve done (for the ceremony),” Nicki said.

She said she wants to thank the veterans who have defended this country.

“I just hope students are reminded to appreciate what people give up to join the military, and why they’re doing it,” Robyn said.