FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2019
Contact: Jason Hogue, Director of Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429


Peru, Nebraska- Peru State College hosted activities throughout the day in observation of Veterans Day. Veterans from campus and surrounding communities attended and were recognized.

Students and staff worked the prior day to line the entrance to campus with 350 American flags. The flags were placed along Park Avenue from the Welcome to Peru sign to the circle drive on campus.

Veterans on campus were able to receive complimentary coffee and pastries from The Roasterie. The free treats were courtesy of the College.

A Veterans Day Program was held at 10 a.m. The program featured a student reading, live patriotic music and a keynote by Lt. Colonel Bill Hessler.

Hessler said during his keynote, "It was patiently presented to me as an officer, that I would be responsible for accomplishing the mission, ensuring the welfare of those in my charge, and that I was not allowed to fail. I would only push people so far because I needed them to succeed the mission. That's the quintessential struggle of being in the Armed Forces..

Hessler appears on the stage of the Performing Arts Center

Bill Hessler speaking at Veterans Day 2019
Hessler's address was filled with amusing anecdotes and focused on the continuing rewards his service has paid throughout his life.

Hessler retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 29 years of service. He went on to work as a defense contractor at Offutt Air Force Base before serving as the Nemaha County Veterans Service Officer. Hessler has been fully retired since 2017.

Martin appears next to the American flag.

At the program, Sergeant Austin Martin, a Marine Corps veteran and Peru State student, read Laurence Binyon's seminal poem "For the Fallen."

Hill appears performing at a piano.

There was also a performance by Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Matt Hill. Hill sang "There She Stands" by Michael W. Smith.

Following the reception, Phi Epsilon Kappa hosted a Veteran's Day Murph Workout at 11:00 a.m. in the Al Wheeler Activities Center (AWAC) Fitness Center.

The group appears in the weight room located in the Al Wheeler Activity Center.>

Phi Epsilon Kappa Murph Workout on Veteran's Day 2019.

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Quentin Victor contributed to this release.