Students took a break between classes on Wednesday Nov. 6 to gather in the De Anza College Main Quad where veterans were honored in an hour-long pre-Veterans Day ceremony.

As the speakers composed themselves, the De Anza Wind Symphonic Orchestra played a medley of military songs ranging from “Taps” to “The Marine Hymn,” culminating in the band’s rendition of the national anthem, which signaled the beginning of the ceremony.

De Anza President Bryan Murphy gave a quick address where he stated that De Anza prepares students to enter a democratic society which veterans are responsible for upholding.

Academic Senate President Mayra Cruz said both her uncle and father were members of the military, and her father was able to attain an education under the GI Bill. Cruz stressed the impact veterans have in preserving freedoms and the necessity of proper compensation for war veterans.

DASB senate president Stacie Rowe explained her family’s connection to the military and her work through the Department of Homeland Security. “[I have] nothing but overwhelming appreciation and respect for the men and women serving today,” Rowe said.

Closing the ceremony, Rear Adm. Charles Ray spoke on the difficulties veterans face adjusting to society after service.

“There is no way to share what it is like to miss large parts of your family’s lives,” Ray said. “Our nation should tend to the people who have gone to battle for it.”

Army veteran and data communications major Hok Uy, 27, said he was reminded of the veterans who served before him and the importance of their actions. He said he was pleased by the crowd turnout.

Communications major Sam Toumasian, 18, said, “Veterans Day reminds us that these veterans are real people around us constantly.”