About 50 Cornell and community members braved a raw noontime Nov. 12 at the World War I Memorial flagpole on West Campus to recognize all the men and women, past and present, who have served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the ceremony, Cornell alumnus retired Maj. Gen. Michael Hall '68 of the U.S. Air Force, delivered a short address. Lt. Col. Brian Page also shared a few remarks. Afterward, the participants, including current ROTC students, met for a reception in the Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall.

While a student at Cornell, Hall was a member of the Air Force ROTC and played lacrosse and football. During his senior year, he held the position of cadet commander for the Tri-Service ROTC Brigade and completed the Flight Program, earning a private pilot's license and the opportunity to attend Air Force pilot training after graduation. He earned a commission as second lieutenant in June 1968 and served numerous roles, culminating with wing command of the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing and theater air liaison officer of the Air Campaign in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations during the 1991 Gulf War.

The Veterans Day event was sponsored by the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality and Cornell's ROTC programs.