UT Martin commemorates veterans ahead of Memorial Day

MARTIN, Tenn. — UT Martin ROTC students raised the American flag on their front lawn. These future soldiers saluted their country and its veterans.

When asked why she decided to serve, 2nd Lt. Kelly James said,”I’ve just always wanted to.” Just weeks ago, she became a Skyhawk alum, soon to be stationed at Fort Campbell.

“I know people who are overseas right now. You should remember them everyday, not just once,” James explained.

After a 21 gun salute and ‘Taps’ played, university leaders said there is a special reason for the ceremony.

“It has special significance for me. I think about the friends I knew that are gone now,” Lt. Col. Lowell Howard said. Howard is over the school’s military science program.

After five deployments and three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, he hopes the meaning of this ceremony helps some consider a career of service.

“I’m hoping because of ceremonies like this, people will think long and hard about what it means to be a soldier, airman, marine in the military — what it means to serve,” Howard said.

UT Martin hosts this ceremony each year as an annual tradition.