While Veterans Day has traditionally been set aside to honor those who have given past service, yesterday's celebration at Old Main also looked toward the future.

About 100 people attended the event, whose two main speakers were retired Sgt. Maj. Herman Clemens of the Army National Guard and retired Col. Frank Ryan of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ryan, father of Penn State Veteran's Organization Finance Officer Matthew Ryan, spoke of his 32 years of military service and his recent call back to duty from retirement.

"In 20 days, I will be leaving for
Iraq after two years of retirement," Ryan said. "I am proud to have the opportunity to once again serve my country."

At the ceremony, he expressed his love for his son and the desire for him to step up in their family.

"Take care of our family, Matt," he said, giving his son a military salute before the two embraced on top of the Old Main steps.

Ryan also said it was every citizen's duty to support the troops.

"The war on terror was thrust upon us on Sept. 11," he said. "Since then, each and every American has been called upon to serve."

Clemens said the enemy the United States faces in the war on terror is different than any other the country has faced before.

"We are in a new kind of warfare," he said. "One where the enemy isn't so clearly defined. They are among us and use our freedoms to support terrorist activities."

Clemens also said much more could be done to honor veterans than the traditional Veterans Day activities.

"Speeches and parades are nice," he said, "but we can do better by becoming more informed, honoring our Constitution and Bill of Rights and practicing proper flag etiquette."

In addition to the two featured speakers, Penn State Veteran's Organization Vice President Doug Ninkovich talked about the history of the organization.

He said the Penn State Veteran's Organization was started in 1968 by returning Vietnam veterans who were taunted by their peers and were looking for a support outlet.

Patricia Putnam (junior-international politics) read a poem by Eileen Breedlove, titled "Soldiers Who Gave," which describes the efforts of soldiers both past and present and how they should not be forgotten.

Rebekah Streit (junior-industrial engineering) said she thought the poem reflected the need for students to change their attitude toward troops.

"The poem was very telling of our attitude toward veterans, and it really showed how it needs to be improved," she said.

Many students came to the event because they have friends involved in military service.

"I have a lot of friends and relatives currently serving in Iraq, so I wanted to come out and show my support for them," Andrea Cistaro (senior-Italian) said.

Mary Osborn (senior-American studies) said she does not agree with the war on terror but wanted to support her friends in the ROTC program.

"I don't support the current war, but I support our troops," she said.

Cistaro said support for troops must extend beyond Veterans Day celebrations.

"We can never give our troops enough support," she said.