Every November 11th, America honors those who have served in the nation''s armed services. Parades, concerts, and other special events are held across the country as citizens reflect on the contributions and sacrifices made by service members.
At Capitol Technology University, Veterans Day is commemorated with activities that include a annual essay contest. In addition, each year a faculty member who is also a veteran addresses a letter to all current Capitol students who are veterans, thanking them for their service.
This year's letter was written by Pete Christensen, an adjunct professor at Capitol and head of the National Cyber Range, a Department of Defense resource that helps define and implement cybersecurity objectives.
In his letter, Christensen recounted his family's military heritage, including a grandfather who fought for the British Army during World War I. Two and a half decades later, during World War II, his father served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as an aircraft engine mechanic. Christensen described the emotional toll war took on both men, with his grandfather haunted by the memory of comrades who fell at Gallipolli, and his father grieving for airmen who did not survive their missions.
Christensen himself joined the US Navy to serve as a Naval Flight Officer, flew the EA-6B Prowler and was deployed many times in support of the Cold War and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. "My wartime experiences were very different from those of my grandfather and father. The Midway Air Wing lost no aircrew or aircraft during that short conflict," he noted.
Addressing veterans among the Capitol student body as well as their fellow soldiers and veterans across the nation and worldwide, Christensen highlighted their role in safeguarding the nation's freedoms.
"Capitol Technology University has always been a military friendly school. We am extremely proud of each and every one of you here at Capitol and the many thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen currently deployed in the fight for liberty and justice," Christensen wrote. "You are all a part of the new greatest generation and we salute you all on this, your day, Veterans Day. On this day, we will remember those that have fallen to protect our freedom. We will also pause to pray for those of you vigilantly standing watch abroad."
Capitol students who would like to join Christensen in expressing their gratitude and appreciation via the written word can enter the Veterans Appreciation Essay Contest sponsored by Puente Library. The theme is "A Veteran Who Impacted Your Life." The winning essay will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
All Capitol Technology University students are eligible to enter. Essays should be one page long (double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 12 point). For more information about the contest, send an e-mail to library@CapTechU.edu. Entries must be received by Tuesday, November 11th at 4 pm