MSU-N honors veterans

Attendees of Montana State University-Northern's Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday honored the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

Northern paid tribute to veterans Wednesday because the campus was closed Tuesday, Veterans Day. The two-part event began in Cowan Hall and continued at Hagener Science Center Room 115, where the grand opening of the campus' Veterans Success Center took place.

Due to icy weather conditions, both the Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap color guards were unable to make it to the ceremony.

William Rugg, Northern's provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, presented a speech to honor veterans.

"Our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever," he said. "For many veterans, our nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures and bake in wild jungles, lose limbs and far too often - lose their lives."

Rugg also acknowledged military spouses, expressing that they had to endure career interruptions, frequent changes of address and a disproportionate share of parental responsibilities.

"Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on Earth," he added. "We must remember them, we must appreciate them."

After the ceremony people were offered food and refreshments and the opportunity to explore the Veterans Success Center.

The center provides a place where veteran students can relax between classes and do homework among other things. There are also computers available for the veterans to use.