’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration paid tribute to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The day’s events began at on the Student Green, in front of the Kent Student Center and Risman Plaza, with a flag-raising ceremony and the posting of colors conducted by representatives from ’s Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs.
A bugler preceded the national anthem, followed by an invocation by Professor retired Lt. Col. David Simms, and a welcome to all attendees by President Todd Diacon.
Before introducing the keynote speaker, Diacon took a moment to recognize and thank all veterans who are current employees. He invited any veterans in attendance to stand as he acknowledged the enduring commitment of those who serve.
“We always know that our armed forces are on the job regardless of the conditions,” Diacon said. “They’re tough and they’re dedicated and they get things done; they are resilient.”
‘Knowledge Matters Most When It’s Used to Help Others’
U.S. Army senior executive research scientist of chemistry Patricia “Trish” Roberts-McDaniel, Ph.D., addressed the assembly as the keynote speaker. She is one of the highest-ranking senior scientists in the U.S. and also holds the equivalent rank of a brigadier general.
Roberts-McDaniel has worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center as a chemist, as a technical advisor for the Department of Homeland Security, and now leads an initiative for the Department of Defense in developing materials for the protection and sustainment of U.S. armed forces personnel.
She is a alumna and received the university’s Professional Achievement Award last year.
“Veteran’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar,” Roberts-McDaniel said. “It’s personal.”
She is the daughter of a veteran, and her spouse is also a veteran.
As a civilian research executive of the United States Army, she works closely with service members every day.
“I may not wear the uniform, but I am deeply honored to serve those who do,” Roberts-McDaniel said. “Because serving those who serve is the highest honor of life.”
She recognized her time at as “not only giving me an education, but a foundation for my career.”
“ helped me discover that knowledge matters most when it’s used to help others and knowledge without service is incomplete,” Roberts-McDaniel said. “To the students here today: You are the future this nation depends on. You don’t have to wear the uniform to serve your country. Every act of leadership, every act of discovery, every innovation, every act of kindness strengthens our nation.”
‘Thank You for Your Service’
"Freedom is not self-sustaining," said Roberts-McDaniel. "It's maintained by the courage of people that step forward and choose service above self."
She said that service takes many forms and also said that on Veterans Day, or any day when we acknowledge someone who has served in the military by saying “Thank you for your service,” that statement shouldn’t be the entirety of your interaction with that person. “When you see a veteran, I want you to say ‘thank you,’ but also ask about their story,” Roberts-McDaniel said. “Listen and learn and understand the person behind the service. That’s how we bridge generations.”
The Commemoration Continues
Following the formal presentations, veterans and service members were invited to enjoy lunch in the Kent Student Center second-floor dining room.
Afterward, all guests and members of the community were invited to join the grounds team and students from ’s Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs in planting bulbs on “Daffodil Hill,” a living memorial behind Taylor Hall that honors the U.S. service personnel killed in Vietnam.
Those who were unable to attend the Commemoration ceremonies in person were invited to view them via livestream.
Supports Veterans
has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students. For 2025-2026, earned the Military Friendly® School designation for the 16th consecutive year, maintaining its Gold ranking. In addition, ’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, first presented to the university in 2022 for its support for veteran and military students, has been renewed for three more years.
For more information about ’s Veterans Day Commemoration, visit www.kent.edu/veteransday.
