Skidmore honors veterans with message of unity and shared responsibility
The Skidmore community gathered on Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, celebrate the democratic values they have defended, and reflect on the importance of unity and shared responsibility.
Senior Artist-in-Residence Emeritus Joel Brown, a U.S. Air Force veteran who performed with the Air Force Band of the East, and recent graduates Francis Davies ’26 and Ellie Ushakov ’26 played “This Land Is Your Land,” with members of the audience joining in.
President Marc Conner reflected on the song's message and its connection to veterans' service, recalling a conversation he had with Brown before the ceremony.
“This song was made possible by the veterans who defended the principles that the song evokes,” Conner said, paraphrasing Brown. “This a song that brings us together and says this country belongs to us all and is the responsibility of us all."
Conner expressed gratitude to veterans for their leadership and commitment to serving both the country and ideals he described as also central to a liberal arts education.
General Counsel and Vice President for Human Resources Sarah Delaney Vero opened the Nov. 11 ceremony by welcoming staff, faculty, alumni, students, and retirees.
“Your service to our country is what allows us to be standing here — an institution of higher learning that teaches and values the democratic values that you fought for,” she told veterans.
Director of Religious and Spiritual Life Parker Diggory reflected on Skidmore’s history of service, recalling a record blood drive organized by nursing students in 1969 and the distinguished career of retired Rear Adm. Karen Flaherty Oxler ’74, a nursing graduate who became deputy surgeon general of the U.S. Navy.
Diggory encouraged those gathered to carry forward the values exemplified by veterans.
Campus Safety Officer Bob Pierce raised the American flag, Campus Safety Sgt. Shane Mullen laid a wreath, and Linden Amster ’27 played taps during the ceremony.
