App State Community Honors the Fallen During Memorial Day Ceremony
On the morning of Friday, May 22, the Appalachian State University community gathered to observe Memorial Day and honor the men and women, as well as staff, faculty, and students, of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Hosted by Student Veteran Services and University Communications, the ceremony provided a moment of reflection and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Faculty, staff, students, veterans, and community members came together to recognize the meaning of Memorial Day and the enduring legacy of service carried by fallen military members and their families.
“The greatest way we can honor the fallen is to make sure they are never forgotten — and mornings like this one remind us that this community does not forget.”
- Bethany Gonzalez, Associate Director of Military-Affiliated Services
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by Civil Air Patrol Boone Composite Squadron cadets Cadet CMSgt. Ellis Cottrell and Cadet Airman Ryan McManus with observation from Lt. Melissa Williamson and SSgt. Robert McManus, marking the squadron's first official appearance since the team’s re-establishment earlier this year. The Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered non-profit civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, with core missions of emergency services such as search and rescue and disaster response, year-round youth and cadet programs, and aerospace education. Their participation in the Memorial Day ceremony reflected the continued tradition of service, leadership, and patriotism that honors the legacy of the nation’s fallen military members.
During the ceremony, a commemorative wreath was laid by Master Sergeant (MSG) Paul Sinnott as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the fallen. MSG Sinnott is Appalachian State University's Senior Military Instructor with the Department of Military Science and Leadership and a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran. During his military career, MSG Sinnott served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and later with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), a specialized U.S. Army Green Beret unit, completing multiple deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve.
Willson Hooks performed both the National Anthem and “Taps” during the ceremony. A graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's of Music Performance, Hooks studied under Dr. James Stokes in the Hayes School of Music and performed with the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, High Country Brass Quintet, and many other ensembles. He will begin pursuing a master’s degree in classical trumpet at the Manhattan School of Music in Fall 2026, studying with Metropolitan Opera principal trumpet David Krauss.
Student Veteran Services extends its appreciation to the Civil Air Patrol, event participants, and all who attended in support of honoring America’s fallen heroes. Memorial Day remains a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by generations of service members in defense of the nation.
As Memorial Day serves as a time of reflection and remembrance, community members are encouraged to continue honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members beyond a single day. The Civil Air Patrol is an official national partner and one of the largest participating volunteer groups for Wreaths Across America, helping coordinate local wreath-laying ceremonies to help meet the Wreaths Across America mission: Remember, Honor, Teach. Learn more about Civil Air Patrol, their involvement with Wreaths Across America, or request additional information from the Boone Composite Squadron's unit contact.