How Stanford's Veterans Day Celebration Highlighted America's Inclusive Military Values

At Stanford University's fourth annual Veterans Day celebration, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice delivered a powerful message about the diversity and democratic values that define America's military forces. The event, held at the Hoover Institution's Traitel Welcoming Pavilion, brought together the Stanford and Palo Alto communities to honor veterans while emphasizing the inclusive nature of military service.

Military as a Model of American Diversity

Rice, now director of the Hoover Institution, drew from her extensive experience as National Security Adviser and Secretary of State to paint a picture of the military that goes beyond its technological prowess. "What I saw was these extraordinary human beings, these extraordinary patriots who had taken up arms to defend us," she said, describing visits to American military bases.

Her observations highlighted something crucial: "People who have come from all over the country, all colors, all shades and sizes, all heritages, all experiences, to be a part of this extraordinary force that defends us at the bottom lines of freedom."

A Living Example of Democratic Progress

Perhaps the most compelling moment came when Rice reflected on her own journey as a Black woman from the segregated South taking the oath as Secretary of State. "Here is this Black woman, child of the segregated South, and she's taking an oath of office to defend the Constitution of America, which once counted her ancestors as three-fifths of a man," she recalled.

This personal narrative served as a powerful metaphor for American progress, demonstrating how democratic institutions can evolve and become more inclusive over time.

Veterans in the Stanford Community

The celebration honored a diverse veteran community, including over 1,100 veterans residing in Palo Alto and more than 136 veteran students currently enrolled at Stanford. Notable attendees included 102-year-old Navy veteran Ernestine Faxon, who served in World War II, and Vietnam War veteran Manny Velasco, who received a quilt of valor from the South Bay Blue Star Moms organization.

First-year undergraduate and Air Force veteran Zach Wright served as master of ceremonies, embodying the next generation of veteran leaders in academic spaces.

Defending Democracy at Home and Abroad

Rice emphasized that military service protects fundamental democratic rights: "The right to say what you think, to worship as you please, to be free from the knock of the secret police at night, to be free from the arbitrary power of the government, and to have the dignity that comes with choosing those who would govern."

This framing positions military service not just as national defense, but as the protection of democratic values that enable innovation, creativity, and social progress.

Stanford Vice Provost for Student Affairs Michele Rasmussen reinforced this message, calling on the community to remember "the liberties we enjoy because they stepped up."

The event served as a reminder that in an era of increasing political polarization, the military remains one of America's most diverse and integrated institutions, embodying the democratic ideals that continue to define the nation's aspirations.