Local news media highlight UC's Veterans Day observance

Local news media covered the University of Cincinnati's Veterans Day observance this week on McMicken Commons.

WCPO spoke with U.S. Army Sgt. Emily Lacy about her military experience before enrolling at UC. As a first-generation American from Mexico, she feels a family obligation to set a good example for her younger sisters, she told WCPO.

"I joined right out of high school. From an immigrant family, I was put at the front to lead and change the direction of my life and those of my siblings," she said.

Terrence Harrison, director of UC's Veterans Programs and Services, told WCPO that veterans often begin classes at UC with more maturity than other first-year students. 

"They've been overseas. They've been away from their families," Terrence Harrison, director of UC's Veterans Programs and Services told WCPO. "To come here as a college student, sometimes it can be challenging. But at the same time, they have a unique perspective of the world."

WLWT spoke to Eugene Sawka, 82, a U.S Marine who attended the ceremony. He waved his cane in the air when the UC Bearcat Band struck up the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn.

"I know what it takes to take time out of your life to serve our country," he told WLWT.

This year, 1,868 student veterans or dependents of veterans are enrolled at UC.

Featured image at top: A UC Bearcat Band trumpeter plays Taps. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand