On Friday, Nov. 11, 2018, the Saint Leo community gathered at the lion statue between Kirk Hall and The School of Business, in recognition for Veteran’s Day. The ceremony which is held every year, continues to support the Veterans in and around the Saint Leo community while honoring the sacrifices of those that fought and died in the past.
The event began promptly at 10:30 a.m. as faculty and staff gathered and stood proudly for the national anthem. Bringing brief yet strong remarks was University president Dr. Jeffrey Senese, who reiterated the importance of the observance of Veterans Day while recounting the rich history the University has had in partnership with the armed forces. Senese recalled that in 1974 Saint Leo responded to the armed service request to offer degree programs on military bases.
Dr. David Persky acted as moderator for the service, and Father Kyle Smith offered up a prayer covering the lives of all past and current serving members of the armed forces and their families. Notable in the audience were several of the veteran students currently studying on campus, among the group was alumni and former ROTC recruit Gregory T. Nobles 18’.
Credit: John Hall
Nobles ad a few words when making the decision to return to University Campus.
“My first reason for attending was to witness the SLU ROTC Color Guard team and the wreath setting. My main priority is always people, especially those that I know on a personal basis. Following that was to sit in on and listen to the message directed towards veterans so that I can better relate to it as I go further in my military career,” said Nobles.
Since graduating, Nobles said he has committed himself to a four-year active duty contract with the U.S. Army. Within he is hoping to gain managerial and leadership experience, after which possibly transferring into the private sector.
Active duty requires self-sacrifice, a spirit of excellence and a sense of purpose. Nobles has come to understand this and says, “Everyone has their own reason for joining the military. Mine is to understand what it means and feels to serve in the military and what impact it has on one’s own life and others while in and out of the organization.”
Credit: John Hall
Recognizing the significant impact that Saint Leo’s ROTC program has had on his life,
Nobles says, “I fully intend on stopping by the SLU ROTC program whenever I am home from the military in order to pass on my knowledge and continue to set an excellent, professional leadership example for the aspiring officers. My impact will become greater over time.”
Assistant Vice President for Military Affairs Col. Pamela Martis reflecting on the 100 year anniversary since the end of World War gave her thoughts on this Veterans Day.
Col. Martis stated, “As we celebrate Veterans Day, the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI and the 243rd Birthday of the Marine Corps, let us as individuals and as a Nation never forget the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform to defend the freedoms we hold dear as Americans. For Veterans, it is an honor to have served.”
Col. Martis pointed out that the entire month of November was dedicated to Veterans Awareness.
In a spirit of gratitude, Martis encourages the community to, “Keep those currently serving safe and thank them for what they do for all of us. A simple Thank you means a lot–especially to our Vietnam era Veterans who did not receive that thanks from a grateful Nation at the time of their Service.”
As years pass and the relationship between the Saint Leo community and The Armed Forces has grown exponentially, The Saint Leo Community will continue to be grateful for the service of all men and women that serve our country bravely.
