CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce its annual “Salute to Veterans” ceremony, a heartfelt event dedicated to honoring the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of veterans. The event is part of the Homecoming Week activities, and will be held in Jobe Hall Auditorium, Saturday, November 9. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., and the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. Organized by the Dedicated Statesmen Association (DSA)—a group of retirees, alumni, and supporters devoted to Delta State through community outreach—the ceremony brings together the campus and local community to celebrate the legacy of service and patriotism exemplified by veterans.
The ceremony will open with a prayer offered by Major Sam Washington of the U.S. Air Force. Boy Scouts Troop 23 will conduct the presentation of the flags, and Director Emeritus of the Delta Music Institute Tricia Walker will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.” DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis will then deliver a welcoming address, expressing the university’s gratitude and pride in honoring its veterans.
Adding a musical tribute to the program, Melissa Alexander will play a stirring patriotic medley. This will be followed by Dr. Myrtis Tabb, President of the Dedicated Statesmen Association, introducing a panel of distinguished veterans, each representing a branch of the United States military. Panelists include DSU’s Chair of the Commercial Aviation Department U.S. Air Force Major Allen Williams, DSU’s Director of Facilities Management U.S. Army Sergeant Cecil Barnett, DSU’s Associate Professor of Health Physical Education & Recreation and Director of Outdoor Recreation U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer, 2nd Class Dr. Todd Davis, U.S. Marines Sgt. Sergeant Wayne Vick, and retired businessman U.S. Navy Bosun Mate Bill Havens. These veterans will share their experiences, highlighting the significance of their service and the values they carry forward.
Tabb said, “We are pleased that the Dedicated Statesmen can honor local veterans. Please join us as these individuals share their stories.”
The ceremony will feature a series of moving musical performances to honor veterans. Zathomasious Jones, a Delta State Master of Business Administration major from Cleveland will sing “America the Beautiful,” followed by Victoria Carter, a Delta State senior Entertainment Industry Studies major from Horn Lake, performing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Carter and Jones will then come together for a duet of “God Bless America,” offering a powerful homage to the country and the ideals that veterans have dedicated their lives to protect.
The event will close with remarks by Dr. Rose Strahan, Vice President of the Dedicated Statesmen Association, who will extend the university’s gratitude to all veterans for their service.
Strahan said, “The annual veteran’s program is a very special event for DSA. We get to recognize and thank all of those who have served our country. They have sacrificed to make America the country it is today.”
The Dedicated Statesmen Association invites all members of the community, students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in this meaningful tribute. For those interested in supporting the DSA and its mission, please contact Dr. Myrtis Tabb, DSA President, at 662-402-1207, or Dr. Rose Strahan, DSA Vice President, at 662-721-6198.
About the Dedicated Statesmen Association (DSA):
The DSA is an organization of Delta State University retirees, alumni, and supporters who are engaged in promoting the university’s values through outreach and service. Through events like the “Salute to Veterans,” the DSA reinforces its commitment to the community and to honoring those who have contributed to the university and the nation.
