The Fifth Annual Veteran’s Recognition Program will be held this Saturday in the Veteran’s Atrium of Jobe Hall at 11 a.m. The theme of this year’s program is “Letters From Home.” The program will include music by the Delta State University Chamber Singers, the Delta State University’s Men’s Ensemble, Delta State music faculty and students, as well as trumpet solos by Dr. Paul Hankins, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. The event will honor veterans in all service areas, and all service songs will be performed.
Dr. James Robinson, retired Delta State history professor and 1968 graduate, helped to see the dream of the Veteran’s Atrium become a reality. After noticing that the existing fountain in the atrium of Jobe Hall was not working and that students were not utilizing the space, he had the idea of turning the area into a tribute to veterans. After teaming up with the Alumni and Foundation Office as well as the Golden Circle, the Veteran’s Atrium was born. It consists of a beautiful fountain and a memorial, which includes a bronze tree honoring veterans who were alumni, faculty, staff, students, or friends of Delta State. There is also a bookcase which includes service records for the honored veterans.
“I just wish people would help with the names of our veterans and also with additional information about their service,” said Robinson. “The atrium gets more beautiful each year with additional work and purchases. The program at Homecoming is the most inspirational part of the weekend. Watching our veterans stand as their service songs are played is alone worth attending. Listening to Taps played from the atrium is unforgettable.”
Dr. Mary Lenn Buchanan, professor of music, has been instrumental in the Veteran’s Program since its inception.
“Every year, I start in the summer coming up with a theme,” said Buchanan. “Once I come up with a theme, it’s so gratifying to trace that and put it all together for the veterans.”
Many of the music students who are involved look forward to the event every year.
“This program is very moving to me every year,” said Josh Terry, a junior music education major from Memphis. “It truly helps me to relate to the veterans even though I’ve never been a veteran myself.”
Prior to the program, refreshments will be served and the Veteran’s Atrium can be viewed beginning at 10 a.m. To make a gift to the Veterans Atrium, call 662-846-4660 or visit www.deltastate.edu/alumni.
