Soldiers of the present honored those of the past at a Veterans Day ceremony Friday.

The NIU Veterans Club hosted the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Flagpole by the East Lagoon.

John Galan, club president and staff sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard, said appreciation for those who have served in the military should extend beyond one day in November.

“I think it’s important that we honor veterans not just on Veterans Day alone,” Galan said.

Galan believes pride in one’s county is more than what’s shown on the outside and that it extends to a much deeper level.

“Patriotism is more than just a bumper sticker,” Galan said.

Jon Lehuta, club adviser and NIU Telecommunications employee, believes veterans are not treated with due respect. “I wish I could say we’re doing a good job of taking care of our veterans, but we’re not,” Lehuta said. “Soldiers are being charged for food in hospitals while being treated for their wounds.”

Lehuta said a strong aftercare system for veterans should be a universal concept.

Craig Enzel, commander of NIU’s ROTC and the chair of the Department of Military Science, said the U.S. owes a great deal to its veterans.

“Our veterans have turned the idea of a free nation into a reality of a free nation,” Enzel said. “Those of us who still wear the uniform look at [them] in admiration. Taking time to recognize that seems to be something we all should do.”

Lehuta said students should appreciate what war veterans have done for them.

“[America] is probably one of the best places in the world to be,” he said.