Several events throughout Central New York honored U.S. veterans

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Central New York hosted multiple events this week in honor of Veterans Day, aiming to highlight the perseverance and strength of United States service members. 

Syracuse University held its tenth annual Veterans Day “Fun Run and Walk 5K” Tuesday morning. Bright and early at 6 a.m., ROTC cadets and veterans gathered on the Quad to show their support. 

Though participants were met with a challenge: snow. Loads of it, which covered campus pathways overnight until dawn. Despite the weather, runners and walkers alike pushed through the cold, embodying the spirit of resilience of those they honored. 

One of the hundreds of participants was United States veteran Ron Novack, the executive director for veteran & military affairs at the university. 

“It has been an amazing run still serving our nation but serving our nation with our student veterans here in higher education,” Novack said. He added that the race built belonging and camaraderie amongst the community. 

“It’s one day out of the year when we all come together at zero six-thirty in the morning to do physical fitness,” Novack said, noting the holiday’s meaning. “All of us that have been in the military know that zero six-thirty is a sacred hour of the day when camps, posts, and stations across the world come together.” 

“Appreciation for service members extends beyond November 11,” Novack said. “Every day at Syracuse University is Veterans Day.” 

Dwayne Murray, the deputy director for veteran and military affairs at Syracuse University, said that returning to Syracuse after coming out of active duty for 25 years was full circle. He believed that the snow added a “nice touch” to the race, as it paralleled the perseverance and dedication of service members.

“People have served in harsher conditions than today,” Murray said. “Surely, we can stand out here for a couple of minutes or run for 20 or 30 minutes or however long it takes knowing and understanding and thinking about some of the sacrifices that our veterans have made in all types of conditions.”

As participants neared the end of the 5K and the sun rose, so did their spirits. The runners and walkers gathered at Hendricks Chapel to pose with Otto and the American flag.

Throughout the rest of the day, several ceremonies were held at the university and across Central New York. Syracuse resident and U.S. veteran Neil Falcone said that he was very proud of the way in which the city continued to honor veterans.

“There are banners honoring veterans throughout the city and throughout the suburbs…it’s a tribute that was lacking when I got out of the army in 1972,” Falcone said.

As the snow melted and Veterans Day came to a close, one thing was clear: Syracuse’s commitment to honoring veterans remained an important part of the community’s tradition.