For some members of the Blazer family, Veterans Day takes on a special meaning.
Walter Stewart III, director of Veterans Services at UAB and Army Veteran, said honoring those who have served in our country’s military doesn’t have to be limited to Veterans Day.
“If you come across a veteran, thank them for their service,” Stewart said. “Some of them have been on multiple tours to Afghanistan and Iraq, and they’re dealing with some of those battle wounds right now. It’s important that we observe not just Veterans Day, but observe that day everyday for our veterans.”
To honor those that have served in the U.S. military, UAB Veterans Services and UAB Army ROTC host a wreath laying ceremony each Veterans Day. After 26 years of military service, Stewart said hosting this ceremony is heartwarming.
“You’ve got to remember, we’ve been in war for the last 20 years,” Stewart said. “A lot of (soldiers) went there and didn’t make it back. So we can at least, as a university, celebrate this particular day for our nation’s veterans.”
Stewart joined the military in 1981 and served in telecommunications for six years. After that, Stewart said he began travelling the nation as an army recruiter.
Master Sergeant Travis Cox, senior military instructor for UAB’s Army ROTC, said Veterans Day is a chance to give thanks to former military members that have served before him.
“What I try to do, at least on days like this, is pass that forward to some of the veterans (that) came before me,” Cox said. “Just to thank them for their service, because I’ve got some first hand knowledge of just how difficult it can be sometimes.”
Cox said that in February, he will have been in the military for 19 years.
“Being a current service member, we’re humbled when ordinary citizens approach us to offer their well wishes, their thanks for service,” Cox said. “It’s a humbling thing.”
Cox has been with UAB’s ROTC for over a year now. Once he finishes his time with UAB, he will resume his regular service with the United States Army.
“I’m happy to do it, I love my country, I love what I’ve been doing,” Cox said. “I don’t see myself hanging it up anytime real soon.”
