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As University of Cincinnati students looked forward to a three-day weekend, the university honored the veteran and active duty military men and women who have served domestically and abroad that give the holiday it’s name.

UC and UC Reserve Officer Training Center (ROTC) came together to honor the military service of UC students, faculty and staff last Thursday, on McMicken commons.

Before the ceremony began, the Bearcat Band, directed by Dr. Terren L. Frenz, welcomed the participants with music from every military conflict the U.S. has been involved since the revolutionary war.

The Master of Ceremonies — Michael Livingston vice president of Student Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer and professor of Educational Studies at UC — began the ceremony with the “Star Spangled Banner.” Service members and civilians saluted the American that was presented by the UC Air Force and Army ROTC color guard cadets.

While some active duty members were ordered to do so, some veterans also volunteered to wear their military uniform in remembrance of their call of duty.

“As the many that were called, I was called, and I went,” said Ronald Rudler a Korean War veteran.

The UC ROTC also recognized the service of several of their cadets including the Air Force cadet Terrence S. Ashton, who served in Japan and Army cadet Courtney M. Gullespie who served in the Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.

“The reason I wanted to continue serving is my skills as a leader might be better utilized as an officer in the U. S. Army” Gullespie said.

The veterans’ ceremony’s keynote speaker was Col. Stephen W. Higgins from the 88th Medical Group of the 88th Air Base Wing, Aeronautical System Center, Air Force Material Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn Ohio.

“We are here to celebrate in a day of honor to honor our own veterans and for their service, dedication and patriotism,” in his address to the veterans Col. Higgins said.

As the ceremony came to a conclusion — in military fashion — “Taps” was played, by buglers Joe Moody and Andrew Sharf, to remember the fallen service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.