KU and the War in Iraq

Chancellor Hemenway and Byron Loudon, a KU alumnus from Overland Park whose son, 1997 KU graduate Brad Loudon, is serving in Iraq as a captain with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

Chancellor Robert Hemenway and the father of a soldier and KU alum fighting in Iraq honored U.S troops on April 2 with yellow ribbons. The ribbons were tied around the trunks of two trees in front of Strong Hall at the suggestion of KU student Kevin Seaman. Students, staff and faculty gathered on the lawn to honor those who have been called to duty.

The ceremony began with a bugler playing the National Anthem as a joint service contingent of KU students in the Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC raised the flag. "These soldiers have made sacrifices for us," said Jonathan Ng, student body president. "We support each and every soldier fighting for our rights."

Three KU employees are among personnel who have been called away to participate in the war against Iraq. In addition, 27 students reportedly are away from campus this semester while serving in the U.S armed forces. The university has 85 employees on the Lawrence campus in active and inactive military reserves and in the National Guard. Hemenway told those assembled for the ceremony that it was one of many examples of the profound respect and appreciation the university feels toward the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces. "To them I say: We treasure you, we value your immense personal sacrifice, and we look forward to a time when we can welcome all of you home to Lawrence and KU."

Click here to read the full text of Chancellor Hemenway's remarks.

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