Mercyhurst community honors veterans at annual Celebration of Valor
Featuring keynote remarks from Ted Stanich, the ceremony honored veterans through reflection, music, and traditional military observations.
Last Friday, Nov. 7, Mercyhurst University hosted its annual Celebration of Valor, giving the campus community the opportunity to honor and thank the extraordinary courage, selflessness, and devotion of veterans.
The day began at 8 a.m. with a flag-raising in front of Old Main, presented by the Army ROTC Color Guard.
To open the program, Music for Veterans provided musical selections before the “Pride of PA” Mercyhurst University Army ROTC Cadet Color Guard posted the colors. Mercyhurst student Alyssa Downey led the National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer from Dr. Greg Baker, vice president for mission. President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., then offered welcoming remarks, recognizing and thanking those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The “Pride of PA” Army ROTC Cadets conducted a Fallen Soldier Ceremony, honoring service members who are prisoners of war, missing in action, or who have died in service. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Guest speaker Ted Stanich, executive director of Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst, delivered his address titled “Serving Our Country: You Never Know Where It Will Take You.” He reflected on the values of respect and honor shaped through his career and the perspective gained from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stanich also paid tribute to all veterans for their fortitude, counsel, judgment, and courage.
President Getz and Stanich then participated in the laying of the wreath at the foot of the Fallen Soldier memorial as bagpiper Maj. (Ret.) Thomas Kalinowski performed “Amazing Grace.” Mercyhurst student Rowen Oakley concluded the ceremony with a performance of “Taps.”
This year’s Celebration of Valor offered a solemn and meaningful opportunity for the Mercyhurst community to express its deepest gratitude to veterans ahead of Veterans Day, observed on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The contributions of all attendees and participants helped make the event both special and impactful.
Mercyhurst extends its thanks to the ROTC cadets who took part in the ceremony: Scott Downer, Leena Henderson, Ryan Len, Esteban Gonzales, Makala Logsdon, and Ella Melcher. The university also thanks the Kiwanis Club of Erie for providing the American flags used for Veterans Day.
This year’s Celebration of Valor was organized by Veterans Service Coordinator Chris Popa.