WILBURTON, OK (Nov. 5, 2021) – Eastern Oklahoma State College will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m. in Wilburton. This year’s event will include a special dedication of the Larry Stone Veterans Memorial near the Clock Tower area of campus.

The late Larry Stone of Jay was a two-sport athlete and Marine lieutenant who died in combat while on patrol in Vietnam. Stone played football and baseball at Eastern in the early 1960s and was known for his unselfish attitude and commitment to his team. A group of former college teammates and classmates honor his legacy each year by presenting the annual Larry Stone Award to a male and female student athlete who exemplify the same characteristics. A memorial scholarship is also awarded to a student-athlete who will return to Eastern for his or her sophomore year.

This year’s Veterans Day Ceremony will feature guest speaker Chief Navy Diver Jeremiah Lively of Wilburton. A native of Denver, Colorado, Lively enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and served as a Gunner’s Mate. He was selected for the Navy Diver Program and graduated from Second Class Diver training in 2001.

After attending the US Navy Marine Mammal Systems Operator and Maintenance course, Lively served at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three as a marine mammal (bottlenose dolphin) trainer and handler. Later he attended static line jump school and made two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During his military career, Lively made several deployments including three tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Eagle. He also served in areas of support to the southern Philippines, Baghdad and Iraq. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action ribbon and various other personal, unit and campaign awards.

During the Veterans Ceremony, Eastern’s Music Department will perform a number of patriotic songs including the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”

The event is open to the public and all area veterans and active service members are invited to attend. Free refreshments will also be provided at the conclusion of the program.

For more information, contact Eastern’s Student Services office at 918-465-1818.