By: Lester Williams Jr, Contributing Writer
Many years have passed since President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th, 1919 to be the day of remembrance for the soldiers who had fought and died in battle in the American Army Forces.
Veterans day originally called Armistice Day was first celebrated following the end of World War 1 and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28th, 1918, however, the battles ended 7 months earlier, which is why November 11th has become the day of celebration. It wasn’t until 1926 when Congress had marked it as the end date of the war, then in 1938 it had become an official holiday, that was designed to acknowledge the soldiers of world war 1.
The Wreaths Dedicated to the Military Branches.
In present day both men and women who have gone into battle at any point in America’s history our honored for their contributions to the USA. Their recognition is celebrated in organizations and institutions across the nation including Saint Leo University.
Friday, November 8th, 2019, at 1:30 pm Saint Leo University had brought its staff, students, faculty, as well as a select group of people including Saint Leo’s tenth president Dr. Jeffery D Senese, the universities Chaplain Father Kyle Smith, the universities Director of military affairs and services Dr. Luke McClees, and special guest speaker and former Lieutenant General of the US Army John LeMoyne to take part in a remembrance ceremony and lunch.
Military Soldiers Preparing to March in for the ceremony
The ceremony took place between the Student Activities Building and the Student Community Center, where a bronze statue stands prominently displaying soldiers from each military branch lifting Lady Liberty above their heads created by the Dexter Benedict that stands as a reminder ‘For Those Who Serve’ as written on the artwork.
During the ceremony the audience was treated to a verity of events, including a music performance by the Saint Leo Choir, a military parade involving soldiers marching with guns and flags to demonstrate the militaries formal skills and commitment for training its solider to operate under strict guidelines, and a ritual which included military students walking with wreaths to symbolize the five branches of the military including the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps.
Retired Lieutenant General John LeMoyne standing with Saint Leo University’s Military Students
What I found to be the most memorable part about this event is the passion that retired Lieutenant General John LeMoyne brought with him to campus. Having more than 3 decades worth of experience in the military which included serving as the chief of human resources following 911 to reassure the people of the US that the situation was under control, he is one of many examples of the soldiers who have devoted themselves to their nation.
I was able to see his dedication displayed not only as he spoke to the audience, but also when I interviewed him in person, when he gave words of wisdom to the current military students attending Saint Leo, and the interactions he shared with his grandson who is now a freshman at the university.
Retired Lieutenant General John LeMoyne giving advice to Saint Leo University’s Military Students.
The ceremony concluded with the 5-wreaths decorated around Lady Liberty being held to the heavens by the soldiers who put their lives at risk while retired Lieutenant General John LeMoyne, Saint Leo’s military students, and other members of the army gathered for photos showing the united passion the Saint Leo community has for acknowledging heroes both from the past and in the present.
Events like this are a reminder of Saint Leo University’s ability to pay tribute to its heritage, which is why the university has been regarded by Military Times as one of the top places in the online and nontraditional institutions category for military personnel to attend in 2019.
