Skidmore honors veterans, encouraging storytelling and remembrance
Members of the Skidmore community gathered on campus for a Veterans Day ceremony to honor the lives and sacrifices of those who have served in the armed forces.
Skidmore veterans and others from the College and local communities participated in the ceremony, led by Professor of International Business James Kennelly, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
“It is so important to recognize our veterans and their service to our country,” he said. “They are one of the least visible groups on our campus, but they are here, living and working very quietly among us. I’ve worked with some people for decades before learning that they were also veterans. And they don’t ask for much. So, once a year, we take a few minutes to recognize their honest and honorable service to our country, and to its ideals, and to simply offer a heartfelt ‘thank you.’”
Staff, faculty, students, and members of the local community attend the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 on the Skidmore campus.
New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner delivered a message of encouragement to
veterans, urging them to tell their stories and inspire others to service.
“Integrity, honor, courage, loyalty – these are the values that underlie our military
forces. When I meet a veteran or someone who is in active service, these are the values
that I hear in the stories that they tell.”
New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner delivers remarks during the Veterans Day ceremony at Skidmore College.
Parker Diggory, director of religious and spiritual life, invited the community to
reflect on the wholeness of the service experience – particularly how service impacts
veterans and their loved ones in ways both large and small.
“Veterans Day is a chance to remember the fullness of the lives of those who serve
and the lives that support them – the communities and the families. The big things,
the little things, the things that have days of national remembrance and the things
that don’t.”
Parker Diggory, director of religious and spiritual life, offers reflections.
After the raising of the American flag, Skidmore retiree Patricia Poirier presented
a wreath on behalf of all veterans, including her father, World War II veteran and
1982 Skidmore alumnus Andrew Stine.
Students Wyn Jarvinen ’24 and Linden Amster ’27 played taps to conclude the ceremony,
followed by a moment of silence.
Veterans Day is not about a single event, Diggory observed. It’s about “storytelling,
remembering, celebrating this day and always.”
