Veterans Day Ceremony offers chance for reflection, gratitude

At 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony, UND honors impact, sacrifice of those who have served 

Dean of the College of Aerospace Sciences Bob Kraus was one of the representatives to address the crowd at UND’s 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Walter Criswell/UND Today.“Every day could and should be Veterans Day, because the call to duty is every minute of every hour of every day,” said John Novack, a UND senior studying political science and an Army ROTC Cadet, as he opened UND’s 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.

Novack, who served as master of ceremonies for the event, reminded the audience of the profound debt owed to veterans.

“There is no way to repay those who have made the ultimate sacrifice other than to remember them, respect them and honor what they stood for and have done for us,” he said.

In his introductory remarks, Novack emphasized the importance of veterans to the UND community, pointing out that one in seven UND students is a veteran, active-duty member or a spouse or dependent of someone who has served.

Novack’s introduction set a tone of reflection and gratitude for the event, held in the Gorecki Alumni Center. The atmosphere was furthered by a trio of speakers from the University and Grand Forks, each of whom recognized the impact veterans have on their communities.

DeAnna Carlson Zink, chief executive officer of the UND Alumni Association Foundation, offered the first speech of the ceremony. In it, she reflected on the role veterans have played in UND’s culture and history.

“The spirit of service, dedication and sacrifice is woven into the very fabric of our institution, and today we reflect on the impact veterans have had on our campus, our students and our community,” she said.

Carlson Zink highlighted key figures in UND’s history who were veterans, beginning with former UND President Tom Clifford, a distinguished Marine and World War II veteran whose service, she noted, continued in a presidential tenure that would “shape and inspire” the UND community for generations.

She also acknowledged current UND President Andrew Armacost, a retired brigadier general, whose leadership “strengthens” the University community.

“His leadership reflects the values of shared governance, inclusion and a commitment to student growth — principles that echo his dedication to service both in and beyond the military,” she said of Armacost.

Carlson Zink closed her speech with a call to action: “Let us continue to honor their sacrifices by nurturing an institution that values freedom, commitment and the pursuit of dreams.”

Following Carlson Zink’s address, Bob Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegaard School of Aerospace Sciences and an Air Force veteran with 28 years of service, took the stage. During his speech, Kraus reflected on Veteran’s Day’s roots as Armistice Day until it was changed in 1954. But it is even more than that, he said.

“Veterans Day is a solemn promise to remember,” Kraus said, before recognizing the legacies of Lou Conter, the last survivor of the USS Arizona attack during Pearl Harbor, and Roger Donlon, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War. The two veterans died in 2024.

Kraus emphasized that veterans not only defend American freedoms abroad but also bring their commitment to serve back to their communities as teachers, as community leaders and as first responders in civilian life.

“Our message to America’s veterans, past and present, is simple; we will never forget you,” Kraus concluded. “As we leave here today, let’s carry with us a renewed commitment to support our veterans. Whether it’s volunteering at a local VA hospital, hiring veterans in our businesses or simply taking time to listen to their stories, there are countless ways we can show our appreciation.”

Novack then invited Michael Brown, American Legion Post 6 Commander and former mayor of Grand Forks, to the stage. Brown further reminded attendees of the great freedoms made possible by those who have served.

“It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion; it is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press; it is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us the right to assemble; it is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial; it is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote,” he noted, reminding the audience of the deep impact veterans have had on American freedoms.

“So, it’s up to all of us to take advantage of the freedoms that are available to us by the sacrifices of the dead,” Brown said. And after that, Grand Forks resident Sandra Iverson brought the ceremony to a close with a rendition of taps on her bugle.

UND will hold more events to honor veterans during its Veterans Week programming. For more information on events, visit UND Today’s Veterans Week preview.