SLIPPERY ROCK — Because of pandemic mitigation efforts, only a few people will be attending this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at Slippery Rock University in person.

And while most attendees will witness the event virtually via a video stream on SRU’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Wednesday, one of those who will have boots on the ground will be an SRU student veteran who will speak on behalf of his fellow veterans, military-affiliated students and Old Glory.

Also known as the American flag, Old Glory itself will be at the Russell Wright Alumni House as Steven Pancoast will bring voice to the flag by reciting the poem “My Name is Old Glory,” written by Howard Schnauber.

“It’s a powerful message because the poem is written from the perspective of the American flag,” said Pancoast, a senior exercise science major from Saint Marys, Ga.

Pancoast, who is president of the Student Veterans of America at SRU, will offer remarks at the ceremony and read the poem. Pancoast, a former Petty Officer 1st Class, served 10 years in the Navy before enrolling at SRU.