Randolph Herber speaking to the audience about his experience in the Vietnam War.

Grasping his cane in one hand, student and employee Randolph Herber began his speech on Veteran’s day and his personal experience during Vietnam.

Personal stories from many veterans left few eyes dry in the crowd as students and faculty members heard stories of sacrifice and success.

In the other hand, he held a cell phone that played Reveille that brought all of the veterans present to rise and salute the flag in silence for the duration of the song.

He told his story shortly after the song about his welcome home from Vietnam while holding his own Vietnam flag, walking in a line of soldiers down the streets of Chicago, he was on the end and held the flag.

When the ceremony started, however, there was no flag to be seen, and through the loud voices, he lifted the flag above his head as the crowd cheered.

“That is what patriotism is to me,” Herber said when he finished his story.

After speaking about his return home, he led into the thanks that civilians should give to soldiers who have fought in any war.

Raising his arm in salute he asked that everyone say thank you to those who serve before lowering his arm.

COD choir performs in the SSC “Living Room” Monday for a Veteran’s Day celebration.