In the midst of recovering from Hurricane Sandy and a fall
northeaster, St. John's University paused last week to honor the
courageous men and women who serve in our nation's armed forces at
its annual Veteran’s Day celebration.
Though it is traditionally held in front of St. Augustine Hall on
the
Queens campus,
the weather forced a change of venue for the November 8 ceremony to
the
D'Angelo Center . But inclement weather and a gasoline shortage
failed to discourage the 150 guests in attendance, including
veterans and their spouses,
ROTC cadets, students, faculty and members of the
Staten Island
campus Photo Gallery
Queens campus
Photo Gallery
Following opening remarks by
Reverend James J. Maher, C.M. , Executive Vice President for
Mission and Student Service, a wreath commemorating those who lost
their lives in service to their country was laid at the D'Angelo
Center fireplace by
Joseph Sciame
’71Ed, Vice President for Community Relations, and Lieutenant
Colonel Joseph Pishock, Commanding Officer of St. John's
University’s ROTC Unit.
A separate ceremony was held the following day at the
University's
Staten Island campus , which also included a wreath-laying
ceremony by the flagpole on the Great Lawn as “Taps” was
played.
At the Queens campus, Lt. Col. Pishock reminded everyone that
Veteran’s Day is an opportunity to remember the thousands who have
died and the millions who have fought for our country. During the
ceremony, a new Student Veterans Organization was introduced and a
donation was presented to them from the Dime Savings Bank.
Following each campus ceremony, veterans, ROTC cadets and guests
were invited to a special luncheon.
Mr. Sciame conveyed the University’s appreciation to the many
alumni who have served in the military. Exposure to these heroic
men and women, he said, serves as a powerful example to St. John's
students who had the chance to interact with them. "As a veteran
myself, I am always honored to organize these annual ceremonies.
They celebrate the goodness of the men and women of America who
wear the uniform."
