HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 11, 2015 – A hundred pairs of hands clapped and waved American flags when veterans arrived at High Point University today.
These men and women, whose service spans most every war fought in the last seven decades, brought cheers and applause from students who lined up to welcome them.
The HPU students called it a Heroes Walk, and they organized it to thank a group of veterans from Pennybyrn at Maryfield who came to campus for a Veterans Day Luncheon. This is the third year HPU has hosted the event for them.
“I was on the bus from Pennybryn and I saw this crowd of people lined up outside of the building,” said Harlen Kebel, Korean and Vietnam War Veteran. “When I realized that High Point University students were waiting to greet us when we got off the bus cheering and smiling, I was deeply moved. It has been a very welcoming experience, and I truly do appreciate the thoughts that were expressed today.”
The Pennybyrn residents shared stories from their time in the service with HPU ROTC students during lunch. HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein, who came to the United States in 1966, thanked them for their service and sacrifice.
“You have not only created an atmosphere for freedom for all Americans, but you have also allowed people like me to come to this country to go to school, go to work and do well,” said Qubein. “This is what America is all about. Our country wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for you. High Point University is a God, family and country school, and we thank you and pray that God blesses you.”
After the luncheon, ROTC students also presented a blanket to each veteran. The blanket symbolized the warmth and comfort all veterans have brought into the lives of Americans.
“It is an amazing opportunity to be able to connect with prior generations that have served,” said HPU student and ROTC member Kevin Bush. “It helps us bridge the gap between my generation and theirs so we don’t lose our personal connection to history and what they’ve accomplished as veterans. They have been through so many tremendous experiences, and for me to take even just one thing from that, it will help me develop as a person and as an officer.”