Service, sacrifices honored at remembrance ceremony
President Philip A. Glotzbach addresses the gathering.
The Skidmore community paused shortly before noon on Friday, May 22, to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to country.
Air Force veteran James Kennelly, professor of management and business, opened the ceremony by recognizing the need to “do something” on this day, as “we are all connected in some way to people we are honoring today.” He explained that Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who’ve given their lives in military service and added, “This notion of sacrifice is precious to the idea of country and the ideals we believe in.”
Vietnam veteran Gerry Wheeler (standing) talks with WWII
veteran Pete Fisher (left) and family.
Among those gathered, Kennelly recognized Pete Fisher, World War II veteran and father of Bill Fisher, assistant director of financial services. “Pete was a Marine in the First Division who saw action in the Pacific,” explained Kennelly. “He was known as ‘Lucky Pete’ because he dodged so many bullets during his service. We are honored to have him here.”
In his remarks President Philip A. Glotzbach noted how deeply connected humans are
to war. “War has been part of the human condition since the beginning,” he said, citing
Homer’s Iliad as an example. “At the heart of what we do as a liberal arts college
is a commitment to avoiding conflict. Yet we also study history and learn what does
and does not work.”
Glozbach cited the Civil War service of Lawrence Chamberlain, former governor of
Maine and a graduate and past president of Bowdoin College, as an example of how military
history and liberal education were joined in battle. Chamberlain, who became a highly
decorated Union soldier, had an important role in the Battle of Gettysburg and later
received the sword of Gen. Robert E. Lee during the surrender ceremony at Appomattox.
Ron Taylor and Rbecca Shepard with wreath.
(All photos by Andy Camp)
“We need brave men and women to serve and we need to honor them and welcome them home and stand with them in solidarity,” Glotzbach concluded.
Following the remarks, Rebecca Shepard of the Schick Art Gallery and Ron Taylor of Media Services placed a wreath in front of the flag pole. Larry Britt, associate director of Campus Safety, raised the flag.
The remembrance concluded with “Taps” played by Gerry Wheeler, a Vietnam War veteran and father-in-law of Andy Camp, of the Communications office.
