DURHAM, N.C. — Veterans were remembered and honored Friday at a Duke University Chapel ceremony. 

What You Need To Know

  • Duke University held its yearly tribute to veterans at the Duke Chapel

  • Capt. Tyler Sommers leads both Duke's and N.C. Central's ROTC programs

  • Paul Dillon served during the Vietnam War, earning two Bronze Stars

There is no finer tribute to the men and women who define what it means to be a patriot. Army Capt. Tyler Sommers has been on active duty for eight years and testifies to the importance of that commitment.

“I’m extremely prideful in what I do. Ever since I was a cadet in the ROTC, my dream was to be an ROTC instructor in order to give back to the future corps of the United States Army,” Sommers said.

And he fulfilled that dream. He is now the leader of the Duke and N.C. Central ROTC programs, defending against enemies at home and abroad.

“In my opinion, for Veterans Day, we have to honor those who have paved the way for us forward in order to carry on the strength and traditions of our nation and fight for what America truly believes in,” Sommers said. “Once we get our new cadets, we instill the discipline in them to let them know the Army is a family."

It's a responsibility he wears close to his heart.

“I love it. Every day I wake up, I know I am going to be with people who share the same values and beliefs as me,” Sommers said.

Friday's ceremony honored living veterans as well as those who gave their lives.

The time-honored tradition is something Paul Dillon looks forward to every year as a two-time Bronze Star recipient during the Vietnam War.

“I’m very proud of my service. It was a very difficult time,” Dillon said.

Dillon has seen the U.S. military overcome many obstacles.

“The armed forces have really led on diversity, equity and inclusion,” Dillon said.

The services are paving the way for those after to enjoy the freedoms America has in the present.

“You don’t care about the superficial differences among people. You work with them. You lead them. No matter who they are,” Dillon said.

Duke has more than 2,200 staff and faculty members who have served in the armed forces, and 770 current students either have served or have some present-day affiliation with the military.