SANFORD - Veterans were saluted on Monday, Nov. 12, at Central Carolina Community College in a program held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

Lorie Southerland, Gold Star Mother of U.S. Army Spc. Michael Rodriguez, was keynote speaker. "Three words define our Veterans -- Duty, Honor, Service. From the muddy trenches of Europe to the jungles of Vietnam and the mountains of Afghanistan, Americans have stood for those who could not stand for themselves," said Southerland. "These Americans, our Veterans, are America's best. They come from all walks of life, joined together for a cause greater than themselves to make life better for others and to stand between us and those who would do us harm."

She added: "Sometimes we tend to lump our Veterans into a faceless crowd and we forget they have names, faces, and stories. I think it is important that we remember them as individuals, to name them by name, and to listen to their stories so we are able to share history with the next generation."

Southerland also talked about the work of an organization of which she is a member, American Gold Star Mothers. "The success of our organization continues because of the bond of mutual love, sympathy, and support of the many loyal, capable, and patriotic mothers who, while sharing their grief and their pride, have channeled their time, efforts, and gifts to lessening the pain of others," she said. "We stand tall and proud by honoring our children, assisting our veterans, supporting our nation, and healing with each other."

The Master of Ceremony was Richard C. Biggs, MSgt., U.S. Air Force Retired, who served for 22 years. He was a C-130 Flight Engineer who served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and currently serves as an instructor in CCCC's Information Technology program.

Members of the Campbell University ROTC program participated in the ceremony.

"Welcome to what has become a tradition here at Central Carolina Community College in honoring the Veterans who have served this nation throughout many, many, many years," said Dr. T. Eston Marchant, CCCC President. "We cannot imagine the United States without the sacrifices of the Veterans who have served this country so nobly. "

The event was organized through a joint effort between CCCC's Military Veteran Task Force and the Veterans Upward Bound TRiO Program. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is an educational program for veterans funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, and serves veterans in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, Johnston, and Wake counties in their preparation for college entrance.

For more information about Veterans Upward Bound, visit the website www.cccc.edu/vub.