November 17, 2009
The
St. John’s University community paused on Wednesday afternoon
November 11 on this, the 90th Veteran’s Day, to remember and
recognize those who fought in uniform for the United States of
America. The University community gathered at its Staten Island and
Queens campuses to pay tribute to the men and women who have served
our country – America’s proud Veterans.
Photo Gallery
In Queens, an oversized, two-story long flag hung to pay tribute to
these war heroes from the façade of St. Augustine Hall, a building
that houses the St. John’s library. Organized by St. John's
Office of Community Relations, under the direction of Joseph
Sciame, Vice President and Kevin Ryan, Associate Director, the
annual recognition of Veterans Day at the University has become a
well attended and most respected event, both in acknowledging the
contributions of veterans and educating each generation of college
students about the importance of such a day.
On
Staten Island, the festivities began early that morning with a
wreath ceremony on the campus’ Great Lawn as a remembrance of those
Staten Island veterans who served in the military. Gerard
McEnerney, Assistant Vice President and Executive Director and Mr.
Sciame were present to officiate at the proceedings on Staten
Island. Lee Covino, of the Borough President’s staff of
Staten Island was also on hand for the Veteran’s Day
presentation.
Rev. James Maher, C.M., Vice President of Student Affairs, said the
blessing for the Queens ceremony, addressing the tragedy the United
States military faced two weeks ago at the Fort Hood military base
in Texas. “As we gather on this special day, we pause for a
special prayer for the victims of the Fort Hood attack,” he
said.
He asked God to remember all those who have fought, and hoped for a
future where war is no longer necessary. “We remember those
who have given their lives in services of others…[and] may we have
the faith and courage to vanish all evil from our midst.”
A wreath carried by Rev. Maher, LTC Albert Lahood, Commanding
Officer of the University ROTC, Rev. Patrick Griffin, C.M.,
Executive Vice President for Mission and Branch Campuses, Lou
Carnesecca, Assistant to the President and former Hall of Fame
basketball coach at St. John’s and Mr. Sciame was placed under the
flagpole in front of St. Augustine Hall.
LTC Lahood, surrounded by some 200 veterans, spouses and St. John’s
students and staff, said that Veteran’s Day is a way to remember
the thousands who have died and the millions who fought in war
under the Stars and Stripes.
“Over the past 91 years over 600,000 of our armed forces have
perished, and today, after eight years of continuous war, our armed
forces have allowed the American people to continue their lives
without interruption, without inconvenience,” Lahood said.
Mr.
Sciame, who had earlier attended ceremonies at St. John’s Staten
Island campus, explained the rationale behind the annual November
11th commemoration as a tribute to the eleventh hour of the
eleventh day or the eleventh month of the year in 1918 when the
armistice ending World War I was signed.
“People around the world remembered those who fought, and
especially those who died,” Sciame said. “St. John’s is believed to
be one of the only universities in the country to hold a Veteran’s
Day event like this – and we are proud to assemble those veterans
from the New York area to participate in this fitting
tribute.”
The older men and women headed off to lunch following the ceremony.
Some were frail, but they had been sure to rise when God Bless
America, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner, and
Taps were played. Among the many units represented,
there were members of the Catholic War Vets, the Jewish War Vets,
the Queens American Legion and many others.
Following the ceremony, newly inaugurated members of the Student
Community Relations Corps escorted veterans to the University
Center where they were treated to refreshments and lunch.
Henry Rosen, a 93 year old WWII veteran and Bronze Star recipient,
addressed all those assembled and spoke of the pride that makes
America the country it is, to which his comrades, ROTC students
reps and guests all gave him a standing ovation.
LTC Richard Gulley, Assistant Professor of Military Science,
praised St. John’s for its active ROTC program, one of only two in
New York City, and which last year graduated 15 cadets to the level
of officer. “I think St. John’s is a very friendly ROTC
university. It’s a very good school – and very good schools produce
very good cadets,” Gulley said. Earlier in the day, LTC
Gulley spoke at the Staten Island ceremony and stated: “One of the
greatest honors we can pay to our veterans on this Veterans Day is
to act with the sufficient wisdom necessary to preserve the gains
they have won through their hard service and great
sacrifices.”
LTC Gulley was there with his son, Kai, 4, who donned a similar
camouflage jacket as Dad, and watched on as the men and women with
shined shoes, stars, badges, flags, and pride in their eyes,
saluted their country. Kai’s great-great grandfather,
great-grandfather, grandfather, and father had all served their
country. And Dad hopes he will too. “He’s a future pilot,”
the proud father said looking at Kai as he ran around the tables in
front of St. Augustine Hall in his camouflage jacket. LTC
Gulley says he recalls going to Veteran’s Day events at Kai’s age
with his father and grandfather. As he said it, there was Kai, the
“future pilot” and he’ll remember this St. John’s event one day,
too.
Media interested in more information about the event can contact
Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media Relations, by
calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to
sciannad@stjohns.edu.