By Amanda Butler, Staff Writer
A new addition has been made to the Saint Leo community, officially as of November 11.
Called “For Those Who Served” ¹ and created by the sculptor Dexter Benedict, the statue sits in the middle of Dempsey Plaza as a tribute to those affiliated with both the military and Saint Leo University. The statue consists of five figures, each representing a different branch of the United States military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The figures represent both male and female soldiers of every race, all working together to hold up a pedestal resting a modernized representation of Lady Liberty, holding the famous book and torch. The statue of a monk² with a scroll and teaching materials sits on a bench on the edge of the plaza facing the main attraction, as a dedication to those who teach the service, men and women. The statue was officially revealed as of seven p.m. that night, complete with an elaborate ceremony dedicated to appreciating the American militia.
The reveal began with the throng reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Saint Leo senior James Bellozier singing the National Anthem. It was brought to attention that a flag was donated to Saint Leo University by the Air Force, which was flown in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Father Stefan³ commenced with an opening prayer and inspired the audience with the words: “Help us to remember them and pray for them.”
Tony Devino⁴ welcomed everyone on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and introduced the dedication. He also read the regards from a letter written by Florida congresswoman Jenny Brown-Wade⁵, who stated in her letter that she regretted her absence.
Ann M. Smith⁶ followed; she is the Chief of Air Force Voluntary Education. As a Saint Leo alumni, she spoke on what higher education means to servicemembers, both straight out of high school, straight out of college, and somewhere in between. She described how in service, men and women encountered a “new world” full of education and service wherever they went and how they have a plethora of scholastic opportunities at their disposal. After her, Shara Anderson⁷ spoke, bringing regards from Senator Bill Nelson, who wrote of the continuance in showing gratitude to the soldiers on his behalf, and spoke of his admiring their bravery in facing the sacrifices ahead.
“Let us pray for those in duty as well as their families” the letter said.
The keynote speaker of the night was Major General Louis Vassad⁸, who participated during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, as well as having earned an impressive amount of over 20 medals. He wished the military participants and spectators a heartfelt gratitude, and he thanked the veterans present for their sacrifices. The booming, concluding “THANK YOU” reverberated through the microphone with crystalline precision and conveyed the complete honesty of that phrase.
Susan Paulson, the Assistant vice president of Saint Leo University, spoke next about the history of the University in regards to the military involvement in their programs and outreach in army education. She spoke of the military bases involved with Saint Leo in seven states, giving care to point out that the University held 37 years worth of history relative to promoting academics and military life.
University President Dr. Arthur F. Kirk Jr. narrated the presentation of the flags. The official flag of each military branch was placed before the statue by a member of that respective branch. Kirk further explained the symbolism behind Lady Liberty’s book of wisdom, and the monk destined to forever gaze at the memoriam.
Father Stefan reprised with a short prayer to bless the revealing, and holy water was sprinkled on the main statue and its counterparts. He followed the blessing with a short prayer dedicated to those who have died in war. He invited the audience to call out a name of a loved one who passed due to battle. From where they stood, names of various late service men and women passed through the silence in a powerful display of remembrance.
James Bellozier reappeared and solemnly sang “God Bless America,” paving the way for the fireworks that exploded over the conclusion of the ceremony. Lady Liberty stared proudly toward the Student Community Center as fireworks boomed a spotlight upon the sculpture.
Corrections published in December 03:
¹ In the “For those who served” article, the name of the sculpture was misinterpreted as For those who served while the correct name is For those who serve.
² The seated figure was reported as a monk, but is a faculty member.
³ The assistant to the president for University Ministry is Father Stephan Brown, not Stefan.
⁴ The chair of the board of trustees is Tony Gerbino, not Tony Devino.
⁵ The congressional representative for the district is Ginny Brown-Waite, but was reported as Jenny Brown-Wade.
⁶ Alumna Anne M. Smith gave a speech, and her name was misspelled as Ann.
⁷ Shahra Anderson came to convey greetings from the United States Senator Bill Nelson. Her first name was misspelled as Shara.
⁸ The keynote speaker was Major General Louis Visot, not Louis Vassad.
