Western Michigan University senior Chris Hickey says "the true story of war will be forever locked in the hearts and minds of those that went through it."
Hickey served 20 years in the Marines before coming to Western Michigan University. He's now a senior majoring in History. Hickey is one of the Western students participating in an event where students, faculty and staff share their stories of military experience.
"Stories from Barracks to the Front" is being held on Veterans Day, Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Lee Honors College. Hickey told WMUK's Andy Robins that veterans' memory is shaped by the events that happen afterwards. He wrote about an image of young Marines marching down the street in California in January of 2003. Hickey says many of them went on to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he says about 40 of them are now dead.
Hickey says it's important for veterans to be able to share their stories, and talk with each other about their experience. But he says it's also important for people who haven't served to hear the stories of combat.
