Stony Brook University’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Services kicked off the Memorial Day weekend with a wreath laying ceremony to honor those who have given their lives serving the country. The event was held at the base of the American flag located in the administration building traffic circle.
Jane York ‘19, coordinator of the Student Veteran’s Program and a U.S. Navy veteran, addressed those in attendance.
“Approximately 150 veterans are currently enrolled at Stony Brook and we have faculty and staff members who have served in our nation’s military,” said York. “We have nearly 400 veterans, spouses, widows, and Gold Star parents who are cared for daily by the team at the Long Island State Veterans Home on the Stony Brook campus, and we have Gold Stars walking our campus each day who have endured the loss of a family member who was protecting our nation.”
York then recognized the more than 1 million men and women who have lost their lives serving the country and the 82,000 who are classified as prisoners of war or missing in action and urged attendees to remember those who gave their lives for the privileges we enjoy in America.
“We all have our own way of commemorating this special day,” she said. “Amidst the barbecues and family gatherings, please take a moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for the sacrifices our veterans have made.”
Pamela Pfeil, assistant director of Military and Veterans Affairs, hung the wreath and a moment of silence followed. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Veteran Students Organization treasurer Ryan O’Keefe, and Austin Colon from the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band performed “Taps.”
Stony Brook’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Services supports the military and student veterans population and works directly with these students and their dependents to help them navigate through higher education. The office also assists students in completing the necessary paperwork and helping them manage the transition to life as a student at Stony Brook.
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