Nov. 11, 2015 the University honored America’s veterans through ceremonies and music.
At 11 a.m. in the SCC Boardrooms, the University’s President and retired Lieutenant General of the United States Army, Dr. William J. Lennox, Jr., welcomed special guest speaker, Marine Major General James Hartsell to speak on what Veterans Day means to himself and other veterans.
“Veterans Day is a day that pulls us together regardless of our race, our gender, our creed, how we were raised, whether we’re republican, democrat, or independent; that doesn’t matter on this day. We gather on this day as Americans to remember and pay honors to those who volunteer to our nations call to serve,” Hartsell said.
Some students found Hartsell’s words to be passion driven and honest.
“You can tell he felt very passionate about [Veterans Day] and the United States,” said Kayla Dialosio, a freshman criminal justice major.
Opening remarks were given by the director of veteran student affairs, Tedd Weiser. From there, SLU Army ROTC students presented the colors and ROTC student Todd Burnap sang the national anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Lennox welcomed everyone in attendance and dedicated a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers. Saint Leo music student Jennifer MacDonald sang “God Bless America” to introduce Hartsell.
Hartsell talked about what it was like to serve our nation in good and bad times.
“Veterans Day should be a day that collectively pulls our nation together in a time when many [people], both inside and outside of our nation, seek to tear us apart,” Hartsell said.
Many students enjoyed Hartsell’s speech and felt inspired.
“The guest speaker truly spoke of what it means to be a veteran. People gathered in awareness of how great America is and that really opened my eyes,” 2nd Lt. ROTC student, William LaPierre, said.
“[Hartsell] gave me more understanding as to why we celebrate [Veterans Day] and what it actually means to veterans,” Dialosio said.
Benediction was then given by Father Stephan Brown. The Saint Leo Chamber of Singers and Just the Facts closed the ceremony with “Song for the Unsung Hero,” but the celebration was not over yet.
In the courtyard in front of the Student Activities Building around the statue for fallen heroes, four SLU ROTC students, including LaPierre, released doves to symbolize world peace and send a prayer to God for peace, wisdom, and inspiration.
“I thought that the doves were nice and symbolized America’s freedom,” said LaPierre.
After the doves and guest speaker, the University continued the celebration with more activities such as live music and sending messages and goodie bags to the troops who are currently active in the military.
The University invited local classic rock duo J2, which consists of Jennifer Frazier and Jim Morris, to play at the outdoor event to keep people entertained while they packed bags for the active troops.
“My husband is a marine and [Jim’s] father was a b52 bomber, so we both have veterans in our family and we thought it would be a good thing to do to honor them,” said Frazier.
Many students enjoyed the festivities.
“It was my first Veterans Day event and I thought it was nice. I liked the pictures and speech that the guest speaker had,” Dialosio said.
