Auburn citizens celebrated Veterans Day Nov. 12 during the city's commemorative ceremony at the Auburn Veterans Memorial. This event included a wreath laying ceremony, performances by the Auburn University Choir, Drake Middle School Choir and music from bagpiper Dan Drummond.
A veteran is defined by federal law as a person who has served in any military service.
Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free.
Auburn resident Lucas Epperson values Veterans Day for multiple reasons. Nov. 11 is a day to honor service members and also marks his return home from Iraq.
"Veterans day is important to me because it honors all service members and gives everyone the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made," Epperson said. "Nov. 11 is also the day that I returned home and ended my tour in Iraq."
November 11 became a day for Epperson that he thought he would never get to experience.
Before returning home from Iraq, Epperson had been stuck in flight delays for two days because of sand storms. "I remember sleeping on a cot inside a sleeping bag thinking I was never going to get out of this place," Epperson said.
Epperson's best memory is one of Veterans Day when he finally made it home.
"After an 18-hour flight, I walked up the stairs to find my bags and was met by my two sisters who almost knocked me down with hugs," Epperson said. "That's when I knew I was home."
Maj. Adam Hallmark is another Auburn resident that both gives thanks and appreciates gratitude each Veterans Day.
Hallmark is currently an Army Public Affairs officer assigned to the U.S. Army Student Detachment at Fort Jackson, S.C. with duty at Auburn University, obtaining his master's degree.
Hallmark has served in the military since May 2001 and has spent time stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and was deployed twice to Iraq for a total of 27 months.
He was also deployed to both Haiti and Afghanistan for three months each.
Hallmark personally values the celebration of our veterans "because it's an opportunity to thank those who have served before me, especially those who gave their lives," Hallmark said. "I will forever owe them a debt than can't be repaid."
Hallmark is oftentimes overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support and gratitude that he has received from random strangers over the years.
"It still catches me off guard to be thanked out of the blue by someone," Hallmark said.
A simple 'thank you' reminds service members like Hallmark that citizens are aware and grateful for their sacrifices.
During the Battle of Najaf, Hallmark went approximately 30 straight days without a shower.
"I was so filthy by the end of that battle, and I can remember the front of my uniform being a dingy brownish-black color from constantly wiping the sweat off of my hands," Hallmark said.
"While we certainly don't ask for it, a simple 'thank you' goes a long way and is genuinely appreciated."
Men like Hallmark and Epperson may be honored at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument, which was designed to honor all veterans.
The obelisk, the central feature of the monument, honors those who have served our country while the low wall honors those who have made the supreme sacrifice.
In the rear of the brick circle surrounding the monument lies a memorial area that can be used by visitors to leave flowers or a wreath in honor or in memory of veterans.
Funding has been provided through donations and the sale of brick pavers. Order forms are available online at AuburnAlabama.org/veterans
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