Campus Displays Honor Military Service – Past and Present

Published 11.10.2015

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Penn College veterans John A. Gondy (left), an architectural technology major from Glenmoore, and Jacob M. Heuman, a building automation technology student from Boiling Springs, staff the Veterans Club "Giving Tree" Tuesday night."Empty table" displays again honor veterans' sacrifice.A seasonal tribute to servicemen and woman, as colorful as it is meaningful, has been added to Penn College's observance of Veterans Day this year. A "Giving Tree" – donated by David Kay, vice president for college services, and his wife, Joann, former coordinator of veterans affairs – has been placed in the Bush Campus Center lobby by the Veterans Club. People can pay $1 to hang a ribbon on the tree in the name of a family member or special someone who has served or is serving in the military. Different-colored ribbons represent the five branches of the Armed Forces, and there is an additional option to recognize first responders. Money raised goes toward the Fisher House Foundation, which administers a network of comfort homes where families can stay at no cost while a loved one (who is a veteran) is receiving treatment. Penn College veteran students will collect donations through Thursday. Elsewhere on campus, several "empty table" installations pay silent homage to those who gave their lives for their country. An explanation of the displays' symbolism follows: Empty Table