UNC Ceremony Lauds Veterans

Inside, U.S. flag ties and pins dotted the room as civilians, veterans and the Tar Heel Brigade -- Army and Air Force cadets and Navy midshipmen -- gathered to pay respects to those who have served and will serve the United States.

The University's annual Veterans Day Ceremony was held Monday and featured the Academic Excellence Award presentation, a guest speaker and a tribute to one veteran from each war of the 20th century except for World War I.

Grant Wolslagel, chairman of the Residence Status Committee, presented the Academic Excellence Award to senior Michael Jones.

Jones enlisted in the Air Force in 1994 and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average since he enrolled at the University in 2000.

Wolslagel told the story of how Jones' interest in weather led him to pursue a college degree. "While hanging on sideways from a pole during Hurricane Fran trying to measure the speed of the wind, Michael realized the importance of a higher education," he said.

Capt. Dennis Haines of the Navy then stepped forward to introduce retired Navy Capt. Theodore W. Triebel.

Triebel flew more than 350 combat missions in Southeast Asia, and had his plane not been shot down in 1972 during the Vietnam War, he would have completed many more, Haines said.

Triebel was a prisoner of war until March 1973.

Haines spoke vividly of his ability to triumph over adversity, which he attributed partly to Triebel's teachings. "I learned how to deal with adversity and make snap decisions as a veteran," he said.

Triebel, who has a commanding presence on stage, began his speech by asking, "Why are we all here today?" he asked. "We are here to honor our veterans, living and dead, and to thank them."

He spoke briefly about his experience as a prisoner of war and about the role that veterans play in the lives of all Americans.

"A veteran sacrificed his ambitions so others wouldn't have to sacrifice theirs," he said.

Triebel's closing remarks left the audience with much to think about as they walked to a reception in the Naval Armory. "It's the soldier, not the reporter, who ensures our freedom of the press," Triebel said. "It is the airman, not the reverend, who ensures our freedom to worship. And it is the men and women of the armed forces, not the politicians, who have protected our freedoms in the Constitution."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.