Four generations of Soldiers and Veterans honored Army service Nov. 11, 2021, at the U.S. Army Heritage Center at Carlisle, Pa., the home of the Army War College. The event highlight was when 18 young men and women from central Pennsylvania raised their hands for the Oath of Service.
The Army’s new soldiers spoke of confidence in their Army future, echoing themes from the event’s two guest speakers.
Edwin Miller is a veteran of many years and many types of service: Army noncommissioned officer in the Vietnam War, he returned to duty with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and retired as a Major, and is now a veteran contributor for multiple community service efforts.
“One way to build a future for the nation is to set the example,” said Miller to the future Soldiers, before the oath.
Army Lt. Col. J. Brad Fausnaugh first raised his hand for the service oath at Kent State University’s Army ROTC program almost 20 years ago. Now an Army War College student, he thanked Miller for setting the example. “Another Army family impacts our nation in service and in the many years afterward,” he said.
“Joining the military is a lifelong commitment, said Fausnaugh, noting that Veterans’ leadership continues to make a different for our nation and our communities.
Veterans don’t boast, he said. “Each showed up at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude … and just did what needed to be done – because someone else was counting on them….
“They’re just proud to have stood a watch, and gotten the job done when it counted the most,” he said about veterans he has known.
Fausnaugh anchored his remarks in the Veterans Day legacy of 103 years. The eleventh hour, eleventh day, eleventh month of 1918 would forever be remembered on Veterans Day for patriotism, service, and sacrifice. What we now know as World War I was acclaimed then as the “War to end all wars,” and we would no longer need to send citizen soldiers into harm’s way, he recounted.
“This idea was short-lived. World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War proved the nature of war is unchanging,” said Fausnaugh. “So, today, we honor all the brave men and women who have stepped forward to defend our nation throughout our history.”
Fausnaugh welcomed the 18 new Soldiers into a unique and honorable population. “Each of them volunteered to serve a common purpose – to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” he said.
“The oath you take today is full of meaning,” he said. “I hope you remember this day when parents, coaches, mentors, service members and veterans joined you, encouraged you, and wished you well as you begin your career in the Army.
“Thank you for raising your right hand and demonstrating the values of our great nation.”
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