ESU Hosts Veterans Day Celebration

East Stroudsburg University hosted its 17^th annual Veterans Day Celebration Tuesday, November 11 to recognize local veterans, servicemen and servicewomen in all branches of the armed services. The celebration included a military observance adjacent to the “Julia” statue at the front campus circle. Julia was originally acquired by East Stroudsburg State Normal School alumni in 1919 to commemorate and honor the school’s servicemen and women who had died in World War I.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event was Corporal Zacheriah S. Taylor, United States Army (Retired). Corporal Taylor grew up in a small town in Washington state where he lived until he joined the US Army in 2005. He attended OSUT (One Station Unit Training) at Fort Knox, Kentucky to become an M1A1 Crewmen, on the Abrams Main Battle Tank. Afterwards he was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team 3rd Infantry Division. He was deployed to Iraq for 16 months in 2007 where he was the driver and gunner for the Company Commander, as well as personal security detachment for the Commander during meetings with local leaders.

After his deployment he transitioned to Fort Rucker, Alabama and finally to Fort Eustis, Virginia where he served with the transportation corps and was medically retired in June 2010 due to injuries sustained from his time in Iraq.

Corporal Taylor comes from a long lineage of service members in his family stretching back to the Civil War. The sense of service and pride of country were contributing factors to his decision to join the Army and why he continues to serve Veterans and the community. He is currently the Senior Vice Commander of the West End Memorial American Legion Post 927, American Legion Riders Chapter 927 Director and a Deputy Commander for the 30th District Department of Pennsylvania. He has participated in Veteran-related programs such as Project Healing Waters, which uses fly-fishing to promote out-door therapy for disabled Veterans, and is a liaison with BattleBorne, an organization that is dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families.

Corporal Taylor and his wife, Beth, are supporters of raising awareness about Veteran Suicide Prevention. This is a cause that is very close to them. His overall humility and humor are felt by those who call him friend or family. “Our country, not ourselves” is one of a few mantras he lives by.

The Veterans Day Celebration program also included the armed forces medley, a wreath laying by ESU President Kenneth Long and Corporal Taylor, a three-volley salute by the Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard, and the playing of taps.

A reception was held following the program in the foyer of Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall.

For more information, contact June Pepe in the Student Enrollment Center at (570) 422-2812 or at veterans@esu.edu. Photos from the event are available on ESU’s Flickr account.

Search

Recent Posts