Rowan student Brigette Pratt sang the national anthem while the Semper Fidelis Honor Guard presented the colors to begin the college’s Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11.
Nearly 200 people, including veterans from All-American Assisted Living in Washington Township, crammed the Rowan College of South Jersey gymnasium in Deptford on Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day celebration.
“There are 150 students, faculty and staff on campus” who have served in the military, said Gloucester County Commissioner Director Frank J. DiMarco, who asked all veterans in the audience to stand up to start the proceedings. Following a loud round of applause, he added, “You deserve our gratitude and respect.”
The U.S. Marines Semper Fidelis Honor Guard from the Wenonah detachment then proceeded in perfect unison to the podium and presented the colors, as student Brigette Pratt sang the national anthem. That was followed by another round of applause from the veterans and their families in the audience, including 50 police academy cadets who stood at attention in the back of the Physical Education Center gym.
County Clerk James Hogan, an ordained deacon, gave the event invocation, and Rowan Vice President of Student Services Judith Atkinson welcomed the veterans and service members by saying, “Thank you to the veterans and your families for the sacrifices you’ve made.”
Rowan military student advisor Dr. Walter Gholson, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in Vietnam, explained that Veterans Day – formerly Armistice Day – began after World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and became a legal holiday in 1938.
“In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day as a day to honor veterans of all wars,” he explained.
Sponsored by the county commissioners and the Rowan Students Veterans of America chapter, the annual event then featured the commissioner liaison to Veterans Affairs, Denise DiCarlo.
“Veterans Day is a day of historical significance,” noted DiCarlo, who encouraged veterans to take advantage of available resources. “It is a day we remember the heroism of those who served our country.”
DiCarlo also pointed out that veterans have valuable skills and leadership qualities to offer employers, as well as stories to tell.
“It’s our obligation to hear their stories,” she said. “Call any library and they will videotape their stories. God bless you all and God bless the United States of America.”
John Ryder, Rowan’s director of Student Affairs and Military Services and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of Desert Storm, thanked the All-American Assisted Living personnel for bringing residents to the ceremony.
“I want to recognize some of the heroes they brought with us today,” said Ryder, asking those who could stand to do so. The crowd responded with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
Ryder called for a moment of silence for members of the U.S. military who made the ultimate sacrifice, and “Taps” was played. Bagpiper Thomas Moore then entered from the front of the gym and played “Amazing Grace,” causing some tears to fall.
Guest speaker Micheal Bate, a retired master gunnery sergeant, then talked about how he lost purpose after retiring from a 21-year-career in the Marines.
“For me, the turning point was when I decided to pursue higher education,” he recalled. “It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I’d encourage everyone out there to consider a path of education. I want to remind you that it is okay to reach out for help. The transition is hard, but you’re not alone in that experience.
“Semper Fi and have a wonderful Veterans Day.”
Bate was followed by the awards presentation to Rowan’s Student Veterans of the Year: Jada Love, a U.S. Army Reserve member and business administration student, and Johanna Magner, a U.S. Air Force member and nutrition student. They were recognized for their service to country and demonstrated excellence in the classroom.
Rowan’s Student Veterans of America Chapter also honored 32 veterans “who served our country and now serve currently as faculty and staff” at the college, including: Peter Achenbach, Edwin Elicea, Michael Bate, Jeffrey Burns, Danielle Crawford, Frankin Curotto, Christopher Daily, Steve Dixon, Joseph Getsinger, Dr. Walter Gholson, Paul Grasso, Anthony Keller, Francine Knight, Michael Laun, George Linen, John Lore, Bow Lower, Allen Magid, Daniel McAteer, Edward Myers, Angie Pachini, Theodore Page, Frank Piccioni III, Ronald Rogers, John Ryder, James Sloan, Teneisha Soriano, Jordan Spates, Megan Taxiera, Lauren Tolver, Robert Wells and John Wescoat.
To learn more about the award-winning programs and support services for military and veteran students at Rowan, visit RCSJ.edu/Veterans.
