Our veterans have sacrificed years of their lives, parting with their families and loved ones, to protect and serve our country and all of us who call it home. To express gratitude to the men and women who served, Wright College celebrated Veterans Week from Nov 7 to Veterans Day on November 11.
In the Science Building Lobby, from Nov 7 to Nov 10, the Veterans Service Members Association at Wilbur Wright College sold green light bulbs that students and faculty could purchase to show their support and appreciation for veterans. Students were also able to sign a card to send to those currently serving our support a bit more intimately.
The Science Building also displayed pictures titled, “A Day in the Life of a Service Member”. While viewing the photos, it makes one ponder the thought of being in the combat boots of the soldiers shown.
After a few moments, the unattainable level of selfless pride and courage possessed by each service member becomes evident.
Cameron Schilling, a man who also has great respect for our veterans, is an artist from Mattoon, IL created the Portrait of a Soldier exhibit. Portrait of a Soldier was displayed in the College Center during Veterans Week, featuring hand sketches of every soldier from Illinois who has died in service since September 11, 2001 in the Global War on Terror.
In August 2014, Schilling sketched his first portrait of Army SPC Charles Neeley, who was killed during his service in Iraq. Upon learning that Neeley was from Mattoon as well, he sent his work to his parents to express his condolences for their loss. However, while attending college at Eastern Illinois University in Oct 2005, Schilling decided to draw a portrait of every Illinois service member who died in the line of duty. As was done with the first portrait of Charles Neeley, each original copy of every portrait was sent to the family of the fallen soldier.
In 2014, previous Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn unveiled the exhibit, and ever since it has moved to different areas throughout Illinois. Wright was lucky enough to house this symbolic recreation of Charles Schilling’s sketches for 4 days.
A formal celebration to thank and honor living veterans who have served honorably in the military occurred at 11am on Thursday, Nov 10 in the Faculty Dining Area. Included in the celebration was a moment of silence to reflect upon those veterans who lost their lives for our country.
It is important for those who serve our country to know they are appreciated for all that they do in the name of our freedoms, and Veterans Week is a simple way to express our thanks to our veterans.