St. Joseph’s College celebrated celebrated Veterans Day with a full week of events to honor those who have served, together with those who now serve, the country.
At the close of the week of remembrance, red poppies adorned the shirts of nearly 50 people Monday inside SJC Brooklyn’s student lounge in Tuohy Hall.
Andrea Aquinas, with the U.S. Air Force since 2012, and a senior chemistry major, read the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae at the end of World War I. The piece inspired the poppy to become a symbol of remembrance of veterans.
Several other veteran speakers from the SJC Brooklyn community joined Aquinas, including the Rev. Charles Byrd ’17, who served in the U.S. Army for 18 years; D’nellio Bennett ’20, who served in the U.S. Army for 10 years; and Vincent Minan ’18, who has served in the U.S. Navy for 19 years.
During Monday’s service, Bennett and Minan participated in the special flag folding ceremony, where armed forces members symbolically fold an American flag 13 times to represent the original colonies. Each of the folds hold a special meaning of remembrance.
The Veterans Day ceremony also featured members of the Student Government Association handing out special coins to SJC Brooklyn veterans, as well as a pair of tribute videos.
Standing at the podium in his Navy uniform, Minan thanked the audience for supporting the U.S. Military during the ceremony.
“Veterans Day is about more than just the service member,” he said. “It’s about the unity of all of us.”
SJC Long Island Celebrates Veterans
Special services honoring the men and women who served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. Military were held this past week at SJC Long Island, from Nov. 6 to Nov. 12.
Here’s a recap of some of the special tributes to the U.S. Military:
- The Veterans Resource Center held an open house during common hour Nov. 6, allowing for students to meet Student Veteran Association members and learn how to get involved. Attendees were entered to win a free SVA sweatshirt.
- A student veterans panel was held Nov. 7 in the Shea Conference Room during common hour. St. Joseph’s students from each branch of the military sat on the panel for a question and answer discussion.
- An event was held on Nov. 8 in the McGann Conference Center during common hour for students to learn about all different aspects of military service — from equipment to uniforms and memorabilia.
- The third annual SVA Military Ball was held Nov. 9 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2913 in Patchogue for an evening of dinner, dancing, raffles and an auction. All of the proceeds were donated to the Families of the U.S. Air Force, 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton.
- Service members and veterans received a 2018 service coin from the SVA during the annual “Veterans Day Celebration” in the McGann Conference Center.
