Simpson University Staff Members Participate in Memorial Day Ceremony
For Immediate Release
05.30.2017
REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University Veterans Success Center Director Justin Spears delivered the invocation at a Shasta County Veterans Memorial Day Service on May 30 that featured special music, speeches, and the laying of memorial wreaths.
Staff members from Simpson’s Student Development Office joined Spears in placing a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Grave near the Redding Civic Auditorium.
Marine Lt. Col. Carl Bott, a member of Simpson’s Community Advisory Council, was master of ceremonies at the hourlong event, which included a keynote address from Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Mike Dahl.
Representatives from multiple military and veterans groups came forward to lay wreaths following the singing of “Armed Forces Medley” by the Northern Gateway Chorus.
Spears, a Navy veteran who was accompanied by his service dog, Tobiah, delivered an invocation that included a blessing, call to remembrance and moment of silence.
“We join here today in honoring and remembering the sacrifices our brave service men and women have made to protect this nation, bringing freedom and safety to its citizens,” he said. “O Lord, guide us to be more aware of how blessed it is to live in the United States of America. Help us to steward these blessings … May we continue to remember those who have laid down their lives for the safety and security of this great nation and to honor their surviving families.”
Spears, a 2017 graduate of A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary, began overseeing Simpson University’s Veterans Success Center in the fall of 2016. The university dedicated its new Veterans Success Center in November. The center, designed as a one-stop shop for veterans, service members, and their dependents to access educational and career-planning resources, served 31 students who receive veterans benefits during its first full semester.
Learn more at simpsonu.edu/veterans.
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Pictured:
Top: Justin Spears leads a Simpson University group to present a wreath during the Memorial Day service at Redding’s Veterans Memorial Grove.
Middle Right: Simpson University Student Development staff members join Justin Spears to lay a memorial wreath. From left: Kevin Bennie, Joel Jensen (School of Education student), Louis Burkwhat, Bev Klaiber, Mark Endraske, Lindsay Szymanski, Justin Spears, Karen Smith, and Isis Martin.
Bottom Left: Justin Spears, director of Simpson University’s Veterans Success Center, leads the invocation at the May 30, 2017, Shasta County Veterans Memorial Day Service. Marine Lt. Col Carl Bott, master of ceremonies and a Simpson University Community Advisory Council member, stands to his right.
Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
