University of Kentucky students thanked their loved ones who served in the United States military by making cards at the Center for Student Involvement in the Gatton Student Center.
The Office of Student Involvement held the event on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, to support the veterans who fought for America, according to the office. The office provided cards and markers for students to send heartfelt messages and support through their art.
The card templates included a variety of messages or designs for veterans such as “Thank you for your service” or american flags. The cards were sent to veterans through Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that directly sends donations to United States veterans.
Students across campus who either have family members who previously or are currently in active duty were able to customize their cards with unique messages of their own.
Freshman accounting major Paige Gentile said it’s special that UK is willing to create an event for veterans as “it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
“My sister is in the National Guard, so I think that UK putting this event on and letting us make cards for the veterans is really special,” Gentile said.
Jacob Hampton, UK senior and digital media and design major, said it’s an honor to come from a family that has fought for this country. Both Hampton’s grandfather and great-grandfather served in the army.
“I come from a military family, so Veterans Day means so much to me because of the fact that veterans had the honor to support our country and be brave enough to actually fight for our country and sacrifice their life,” Hampton said.
Hampton said attending the event makes him feel proud to be a part of a military family, and he wants to give their support to other veterans in the same position as his loved ones.
Freshman finance major Mitchell Keiper, whose uncle served in the Marines, said he attended the event to support not only his uncle, but other veterans who laid down their lives.
“What Veterans Day means to me is saluting and showing thanks to those who are brave enough to fight for us when we aren’t able to fight for ourselves,” Keiper said.
Freshman marketing major Isabella Born said the event helps students thank veterans for their sacrifices.
According to Born, students showed up because they understand their lives wouldn’t be the same without the veterans who fought for U.S. citizens’ livelihoods.
Veterans Day is an important day in Born’s life, because of her grandpa who served in the United States army.
“I don’t take for granted the country that I live in, because I know that my day-to-day activities wouldn’t be possible without the sacrifices that they’ve (the U.S. military) made overseas, as well as inside our country,” Born said.
