Veterans' Day Observance
Brigadier General Eugene Sevi, ANG, (Ret.), Norwich Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, served as the reviewing officer and honored guest speaker for the day's ceremonies. Joining BG Sevi on the reviewing stand were veterans Louis Partlow representing the American Legion, and Richard Higgins representing the VFW. Also on the reviewing stand was Cadet Samuel T. Slater, NU Class of 2006, SPC, 1-86FA, 95th MP BN, home on leave from Camp Scania in Iraq.
"History indicates that peace is, at best, transient. It is fitting that we honor those who do the dangerous work of keeping our nation free - the veterans - the people who do the heavy lifting." He went on to commend the role that Norwich graduates have historically played - and continue to play - in the defense of our democracy.
BG Sevi then urged his audience to exercise their rights as citizens of a free republic.
Following BG Sevi's speech, the Norwich Independent Battery fired off the "Roll of Wars," or 17 cannon volleys - each volley representing a conflict in which American soldiers fought and died. Veterans Higgins and Partlow, escorted by Cadet Colonel Zachary Knoebel, participated in the placing of the memorial wreath at the base of the flagpole, after which Reverend Wick delivered the benediction. Three rifle volleys were fired by the Drill Team, and Echo Taps concluded the Veterans' day portion of the ceremony. Roll of Wars
dweggler@norwich.edu, November 2004 |
Norwich
University held its annual Veterans' Day Observance on Thursday, November
11, 2004. 
After
giving a brief history of Veterans' Day in our country, Professor Sevi
commented on the appropriateness of marking the occasion. 
"Since
its beginning almost two hundred years ago, Norwich graduates have been
veterans of America's wars… Undoubtedly many of you will serve in
the present conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying out Norwich's tradition
of serving our democracy. Our nation owes you the highest level of gratitude
and sincerest recognition for being willing to serve."
"As
citizens, we have the obligation to participate fully and intelligently
in the democratic processes of our democracy. As leaders, we must set
the example, and motivate our peers to participate in government, so that
our country can produce the best democracy has to offer - a country that
is worthy of the sacrifices of our veterans and its present day soldiers,
sailors, airmen and marines."