High Country Times

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, recently held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor veterans and military families. The event took place on November 11 at the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building and was attended by a diverse audience of veterans, faculty, staff, students, and guests.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris led the ceremony alongside U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. George Sankey. Anna Hoffman, an App State Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadet and senior management major from Statesville serving in the North Carolina National Guard, opened the event with a welcome address.

Norris emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans' valor and sacrifices: “Our tradition of commemorating this day ensures we honor those who have served and recognize their valor and their sacrifices,” she said. She also expressed gratitude towards App State ROTC members and veterans for their efforts during Hurricane Helene recovery operations.

Sankey shared insights from his military career in the 75th Ranger Regiment and U.S. Army Special Operations Command during deployments to the Middle East. He highlighted the significance of celebrating veterans: “We live in an incredible nation,” he stated. “Being a veteran is a great honor, but it means more when folks like you come together.”

The ceremony featured App State’s ROTC presenting colors while Willson Hooks performed the national anthem on trumpet.

Currently, Appalachian State University enrolls 261 student veterans and employs 118 staff and faculty veterans. Additionally, over a thousand military dependents attend along with active-duty service members.

The ceremony concluded Heroes Week at App State, hosted by Student Veteran Services which provides resources such as priority registration and scholarship opportunities to support military-affiliated students on campus.