Armed service veterans, their families and active duty military members were honored Friday during the SGA and Campus Veterans Association’s Veterans Day Observance Ceremony on the steps of Gorgas Library.

“For over two centuries, our nation’s bravest have answered the call,” said Will Suculpe, president of Campus Veteran Association. “We support our fellow veterans; we support you for your commitment to our freedom, livelihoods and our way of life. Thank you comrades and happy Veterans’ Day.”

The University of Alabama currently has 922 students who are veterans, according to a press release.

“Everyone here today can remember where they were on 9/11, and remember how it impacted their lives,” said SGA President Stephen Swinson. “The men and women we honor today have had the courage to strap on their boots, get their hands dirty and take an active role on fighting terrorism, and for that I sincerely thank you.”

“Nations around the world who once knew nothing but fear now know freedom; that is why we fight in hopes of a day when we no longer need to,” said Mark Nelson, vice president of student affairs. “Thank you on behalf of all of the University of Alabama.”

Rachel Wilson, a senior double majoring in management and Spanish who attended the event, said student veterans deserve respect because they’re fighting for the United States.

“I wanted to take some time to honor and respect the veterans,” Wilson said. “I had family – a grandfather and great grandfather – who served in the military. When you see someone in uniform, you should say ‘thank you for your service.’”

Alvin Lockett, a freshman majoring in accounting, also attended the event.

“My grandfather served in the army and it’s just a small part on my behalf to show respect,” Lockett said.

David Blair, director of military and veterans’ affairs, said the University will open a Veteran and Military Affairs Office in the basement of B.B Comer and is expected to be open in spring of 2012.

“We will provide programs that will help veterans transition from military to college life,” Blair said.

The University currently has programs in place to help students who are veterans, but the office will be a one-stop shop, Blair said.

“Veterans will be able to come in our office and if we can’t provide a service for them there, we’ll be able to find a connection to someone who can,” Blair said.

Suculpe said students should realize that veterans are on campus and that they may be their classmates.

“I would encourage all students to acknowledge and appreciate veterans,” Suculpe said.

Suculpe encourages veterans to become involved and join the CVA to share their opinion and voices.

“We don’t ask for appreciation,” said Sgt. Jordan Carpenter, a junior majoring in Environmental Science. “But it’s always a plus.”