A community of gratitude: SC State honors service and sacrifice at Veterans Appreciation Program
Students, faculty, and veterans shared reflections of pride, remembrance, and unity during South Carolina State University's annual observance.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and community.
At South Carolina State University, that spirit of gratitude came to life Thursday during this year’s Veterans Appreciation program at Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, where students, faculty, and veterans gatherto reflect and give thanks. The program is held annually on the Thursday before Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
For many SC State students, the meaning of service begins at home. Cadet Ragen Elmore shared that her grandfather’s hard work and discipline inspired her to pursue a path of leadership and commitment.
“Today means a lot to me because many people don’t know the work and dedication we put in.”, Elmore said.
Her story reflects how family influence often shapes students’ early perspectives on the military and how admiration for service can grow into a deeper sense of leadership and responsibility.
Fellow cadet Gregory Gogo said military service has always felt personal.
“Most of my family was in the military, and that moved me to want to join,” he said. What started as a sense of curiosity soon evolved into a lesson in discipline and leadership.
“I used to think the military was just cool,” Gogo said. “But now I understand what’s expected of you and how to truly be a leader.”
Gogo said he was excited to see the university recognize veterans’ contributions, calling the ceremony an important reminder of “how far we’ve come because of them.”
“As I got older, I got deeper into it. And things started to change my mindset and everything about how you should move and inspire others to follow others and how to be a leader.
“It means taking time to recognize the people who do for this nation what many are either not able or not willing to do,” Fortune said. “The fact that SC State recognizes the veterans in and around Orangeburg speaks volumes.”
Lauren Robinson, who helps coordinate the ROTC program and is also a previous cadet, said the day carries special significance as she works closely with cadets preparing to become officers.
“For me, it’s about honoring the people who came before me and those who fought for my freedom, especially the ones who lost their lives,” Robinson said. “Working with our cadets gives me an understanding of what soldiers go through and the leadership it takes to guide others.”
Robinson said programs like SC State’s help build future leaders while reinforcing respect for those who have served.
As the ceremony concluded, students, faculty, and veterans stood together in reflection with mutual gratitude shared across the SCSU community. The program served as a reminder that honoring those who serve is not just a tradition but an ongoing commitment to remembering their sacrifice and leadership.
The keynote speaker for Thursday's observance was the Rev. Chaplain Col. (Retired) Addison Burgess Sr, a SC State alumnus. He earned his commission as a second lieutenant as a member of the Bulldog Battalion in 1992 while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in music. He retired from the Army in 2020.