THOMASVILLE- In honor of Veterans Day, Thomas University swore in nearly 40 TU students, who have taken an oath to enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard on Saturday.

TU President Dr. Andy Sheppard, along with Georgia Army National Guard Major Lieutenant Patrick Jarvis were both in attendance, sharing their pride in the young men and women who are taking this next step.

“Night Hawks, as most of you know, we love to learn,” Sheppard said. “The freedom to learn and the joy of competition, the chance to choose the sports we want to play, you today are choosing to defend those things we hold most dear.”

Sheppard went on to say on behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the college, “Thank you, we are indebted to you, we are grateful to you, and we are proud of you.”

Sheppard then turned the microphone over to Jarvis, welcoming him to Night Hawk Nation.

“It’s only fitting we are at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on Veterans Day weekend, swearing in our newest veterans,” Jarvis said.

He shared some of the staggering statistics of enlistment.

“We have a population in the United States of about 335 million, only 2 million serve in the military,” he said. “It’s barely 1 percent, so congratulations on joining the one percenters. I am proud of you for answering the call to serve your country.”

Jarvis then had the men and women raise their right hand and repeat their oath, following his direction.

“These students have chosen an opportunity to serve their country, state, and community by joining the Georgia Army National Guard,” said Stephen Ferguson, Vice President of Military and Corporate Relations at TU. “Their commitment to service speaks volumes about their character and dedication to our nation’s freedom. By enlisting in the armed services, these men and women have answered the call of duty, while continuing to pursue their academic goals.”

The students enlisting were met with a round of applause, as they marched back with a newfound sense of duty.