Stony Brook University has long been a proud supporter of the U.S. military and those who serve. In addition to the faculty and staff members who have served, more than 150 student-veterans attend classes each day.
On May 24, The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services at Stony Brook University continued an annual tradition, kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who have given their lives serving the country. The event took place at the main entrance of the university.
Jane York ‘19, coordinator of Military and Student Veteran Services at Stony Brook and a U.S. Navy veteran, led the ceremony.
“The men and women who died for our country represent the diversity of the United States of America and they came from every ethnicity and background,” said York. “But they all took an oath to give their lives for the United States. Today we are dedicated to continuing the great work of those who have gone before us, and to preserving the memory of our fallen heroes. I’m honored to declare our unending gratitude and support for their families.”
Following York’s tribute, Stony Brook student, Army veteran, and Veteran Students Organization (VESO) vice president Eric Mitchell hung the wreath. After a moment of silence, York led those gathered in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Stony Brook’s relationship with veterans extends to the Long Island State Veterans Home, where nearly 400 veterans and family members are cared for daily. The Veterans Home is a major teaching affiliate of Stony Brook Medicine that is housed on the Stony Brook campus, and continues to be one of the only nursing homes in the country that is fully integrated into the health and educational mission of a major teaching and research university. This affiliation enables the Home to offer Long Island’s veterans access to the New York metropolitan region’s best health care professionals and most advanced medical technology.
“Stony Brook family members walk our campus having endured the loss of a loved one to protect our country,” added York. “As proud Americans we should all remember that our freedom is not free. It is only possible because heroes, some from our own families and neighborhoods, have paid a high price. That price enables us to have ceremonies and observances like this all across the great United States.”
– Robert Emproto