Veterans Day Ceremony at Lewis Honors Those Who Served

The community and veterans from the surrounding area gathered for the university’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov.9. Presented by the Lewis University Army and Air Force ROTC units, the event included a prayer, speeches by veterans, remarks by Lewis President Br. James Gaffney, FSC, and a military retreat ceremony.

Cadet Steven Wynne offered a few opening remarks. The Joliet West High School JROTC unit posted colors. Lewis student Jessica Luckett sang the national anthem. Father Daniel Torson, CPPS, university chaplain and Air Force veteran, led the group in prayer.

Dr. Stephen Sherwin, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and adjunct professor in the justice, law and public safety program, thanked the veterans and called special attention to a different kind of veterans. He thanked the “veterans of the home front.” He praised efforts and sacrifices of those the soldiers leave behind when fighting for the country.

The joint color guard presented a retreat ceremony. They demonstrated 13 folds of the flag and their significance.  The folded flag was presented to Br. Augustine “Gus” Kossuth, FSC, a World War II Marine veteran.

There was a moment of silence for those defending the nation’s freedom. Veterans of the respective services sang rousing renditions of the Army, Air Force, Marine, Navy and Coast Guard songs. The Joliet West High School JROTC unit retired the colors.

Fran Benson, director of Communications and Technology Project Management, crafted a remembrance wreath to be placed by the flagpole in front of Benilde Hall. The ROTC units plan to work with Operation Care Package to lay similar wreaths in December at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Lewis University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which enables post 9/11 veterans to obtain a free education. Lewis University also has been recognized as a military friendly school for two consecutive years by G.I. Jobs Magazine.

Lewis University’s Army ROTC program is designed to commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army and to motivate young people to become better citizens. Students who become cadets simultaneously earn their baccalaureate degree and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Lewis University students in the ROTC program are part of the Rolling Thunder Battalion.