EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — American flags lined the sidewalk leading up to East Stroudsburg University's Julia statue in the center of campus.
Julia was originally acquired by East Stroudsburg State Normal School alumni in 1919 to commemorate and honor the school’s servicemen and women who had died in World War I.
In honor of Veterans Day, members of the campus ROTC marched their way to the statue for a wreath laying ceremony.
"Being able to embrace the tradition of Veterans Day it's really honorable to say the least i'm glad people are witnessing it and continuing the tradition," said ESU senior Sebastian Adler, also a member of the Navy Reserves.
People don't know what a veteran goes through how they served and the dangers involved. sometimes it's a hard transition into civilian life. they may struggle with medical needs or housing," said Lieutenant Colonel Michael S. Gielbeda.
The 16th annual ceremony started in Beers Hall with a short program to honor our servicemen and women.
"Just seeing everyone take time out, especially these young folks, to be part of this is because not many of them connect with veterans; they may or may not have a family member that served in the military," said ESU President Kenneth Long.
As part of the ceremony, members of the Monroe County Joint Honor Guard conducted a three-volley salute and played taps.
ESU President Kenneth Long says many veterans have turned to the Warrior community as the next step in their journey after service.
"We have 92 vets that are attending ESU and 20, 30 others that are ROTC or active duty," said Long.
Lt. Colonel Gielbeda says with low recruitment numbers in the military branches today, he hopes stories of veterans inspire the next generation of servicemen and women.
"Everybody who serves in the military is volunteered to sacrifice their lives. They can make more money doing something on the outside, but for me, it's always been about and what I am going to miss most when I retire is the comradery," said Lt. Colonel Gielbeda.
That next generation of our nation's veterans say they hope the veterans who served before them feel honored.
"It helps a lot of veterans when they come home to see that their efforts were not in vain," said ESU junior Carlens Lapaix, a member of the National Guard.