By REGINA IANNIZZOTTO
Opinion Editor
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 15, 2011
The College of Saint Rose conducted a ceremony for the veterans of the United States military on Friday, Nov 11. Meghan Dinan, the assistant registrar and veteran certified official on campus, ran the event and gave the opening speech. She works with veterans who receive benefits through the G.I. bill.
“The V.A. reports we have over 22 million living veterans,” said Dinan. “Today we will raise the American flag on the Saint Rose campus as a symbol of honor and gratitude to all veterans, especially those who have served in our very own Saint Rose community.”
Saint Rose Security Officer John Margen, who spent numerous years as part of the United States Navy, gave a speech about how the Navy has affected his life. He spoke about getting off the train and being “greeted by your typical drill instructor who advised us that at this time, [we] were now members of the U.S. Navy, the strongest Navy in the world; second to none. Don’t ever forget that.”
He continued to say that his observations of how other countries lived affected him. “I really appreciated being an American vet. The U.S. is the strongest nation in the word.” He then repeated the words: “Second to none. Don’t ever forget that.”
Holding up the statue symbolizing an important man in the Navy, as well as numerous ships that were used in war, Margen reminded the crowd to “watch the greatest tradition in college football; the Army-Navy game” on December 10.
Next to speak was Saint Rose Security Officer Walt Brooks of the United States Marine Corps. He helped raise the flag at the beginning of the ceremony, and then gave a speech about the meaning of the holiday and what volunteering has meant to him. “Veterans Day is a time to celebrate and honor our American veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve the sacrifice for the common good.”
He tells the history of Veterans Day. He said it is in honor of the final day of World War One. He asked the crowd to simply say “thank you” for the service of veterans. “’Thank you for your service’ are beautiful words to me,” said Brooks.
He then discussed a recent e-mail he received about the Wounded Warriors Project. “These guys, men and women alike, are the true warriors and this is a wonderful program, not only for those in need, but a great opportunity to show your appreciation to those who serve and made the supreme sacrifice,” said Brooks. He volunteers at the V.A. Hospital nearby and has for the past 12 years. “I’ve been a volunteer as a physical rehab assistant…and I always feel good about going and helping the guys get through the day.” He holds a special place in his heart for this service and these veterans. “Possibly there is a student organization here at The College of Saint Rose who could take up this cause.”
Speaking with him later, Brooks went on to say how happy the veterans are to speak with new faces. He spoke for a while about how many stay there for a very long time and always like having people to talk to. Volunteering there is very important to him and he hopes students at Saint Rose make time to visit the hospital and brighten their day.
Brooks closed his speech with a powerful thought: “There are only two defining forces that have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American G.I.; One died for your soul and the other died for your freedom.”
Jeff Schenk of the Student Solution Center who opened the ceremony with a musical piece on his bagpipe, and donned in the traditional Scottish attire of a kilt, ended the service with another piece and before completion, and lead the crowd to the front of Lally for an award ceremony.
In Lally, coffee and cake was served after four students received the Dr. Robert B. Lamb Veteran’s Assistance Program. The awards were given out by the late Dr. Lamb’s wife, Mary Lou Lamb.
