November 17, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (11/11/15) - East Texas Baptist University paid tribute on Veterans Day to honor all who have served our country. ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn led this special Chapel service.
"On this day, the East Texas Baptist University family expresses our appreciation for the sacrifices of our United States veterans in words, in deeds, and in prayers," said Dr. Blackburn. "The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children, and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow church members, and an important part of their communities. There are approximately 23.2 million military veterans in the United States. How grateful we are to these American patriots!"
Dr. Blackburn recognized eight current ETBU employees who have served the United States in military service. They are: Bill Collins (Army), Randy Dalme (Navy), Dr. Bill Mills (Air Force), Johnnie Frank Nickerson (Army), Ronald B. Pringle (Air Force), Don Ravenell (Army), David Riley (Navy), and Dr. John Sargent (Air Force).
The 13th president of ETBU also asked current students who have served in the military to stand. The chapel audience thanked them with a loud, lengthy round of applause.
Dr. Blackburn concluded by saying, "We give thanks the Lord for these living veterans who served the United States of America, honorably during war and peacetime. We celebrate freedom this morning to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, their love of country, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, knowing the greatest freedom we have is the gift of liberty we have in Christ Jesus through God's grace and mercy, and Jesus's sacrifice for our redemption and restoration to our Heavenly Father."