Correction appended
Former ROTC member Ben Novak, Class of 1965, has been spat on and called a murderer. During the 1960s, he said, people refused to shake his hand -- all because he wore a uniform.
As a Vietnam War veteran and Bronze Star recipient, he said he learned the depths of hatred.
"Through all of that, I would rather be among the people who were spat upon, rather than the spitters," he told a crowd of about 30 gathered in front of Old Main for a Veteran's Day commemoration.
The event was organized by the Penn State Veterans Organization. Maggie Kwok, the group's president, said this was a day to honor all veterans who served and will serve in the future.
"We do this every year -- it was a good turnout last year. It's not that cold today, so hopefully a lot of people will come," said Kwok (junior-international politics), who is also a member of Penn State's ROTC.
Four Air Force ROTC students commenced the ceremony with a color guard display, and John Betlyon, a member of the military and instructor of religious education at Penn State, kicked the event off with a prayer. He was followed by Lt. Colonel Greg Switzer, a 1988 graduate of George Mason University and a 2003 Iraq War veteran, who spoke passionately about his years in the United States Marine Corps.
"I think about what it means to be a veteran. There's a great deal to say, but I'm speechless when I sit down and think about our overwhelming history. Our nation is protected very well by the veterans we have," he said. "It is inspiring to see people who try their damndest to impress people who will make or break them before going on to establish a career for themselves."
Although there are hard times, it is of the utmost importance to remember the better days, Switzer said, ending his speech.
"It is always good to sit around and just share stories," he said. "I get a great feeling when veterans remember the good things, the humorous things, the things that get us by day to day."
Novak concluded by talking about his past.
"During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, fear gripped this campus. We were on the brink of nuclear warfare," he said. "If President Kennedy hadn't stared the enemy down, there would be no Pittsburgh, no Philly, no Bellefonte and no State College."
The ceremony wrapped up with a Blue Band member playing "Taps," and gun salutes by the Air Force ROTC.
Army ROTC member Eric Barzydlo (junior-international politics) said it's important for Americans to reflect at ceremonies like the one at Old Main.
"It's one day to ask people to honor all who served," he said. "We need to remember all our freedoms we have in this country and how we got them."
This article incorrectly stated some information. Maggie Kwok is not an ROTC member. She is a veteran and the president of the Penn State Veterans Organization. The gun salutes were conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
