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They walked in single file – silently – bearing the flags of the United States and Massachusetts, and the POW/MIA black banner. They stood at attention for the singing of the national anthem and for the distant sound of taps.
The solemn ceremony of presenting the colors, performed by cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC programs on campus, marked the opening of a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, held during the week of Veterans Day.
A special POW/MIA Table Ceremony called for remembrance for those soldiers fallen, imprisoned or missing. A small table with a single place-setting symbolized the absent comrade. One by one, the cadets lit a candle, placed a rose, brought lemon and salt and inverted the water glass as a narrator read, “Remember those whom we depended on in battle. Remember our friends. They are the ones we love – who love life and freedom as we do.”
Chancellor Marty Meehan welcomed everyone to the luncheon, which is expected to become an annual event. Among the commitments to building on existing services and making UMass Lowell a more veteran-friendly campus, the Chancellor announced a new dedicated website, planned improvements to ROTC spaces and the establishment of a standing committee on veterans affairs.
Protestant chaplain Imogene Stulken gave a blessing, in part quoting from letters written by freshmen to deployed troops. The letters will be included in care packages prepared by the Student Veterans Organization.
“Thank you for the sacrifices you’re making to serve our country. I know you probably hear that a lot, but not enough,” wrote one student. Another wrote, “I know not who you are, but I know what you stand for; you stand for my freedom.”
Charlotte Mandell, vice provost for undergraduate education, chairs the new standing committee and hosted the luncheon. She called on the veterans of each of the country’s military services to stand and be recognized.
In a surprise presentation, Veterans Benefits Coordinator Linda Morabito was honored for her services to veterans in the Merrimack Valley by the Men of St. Patrick in Lawrence. Representing the organization, John Cuddy, himself a veteran and alum of UMass Lowell, gave the award. Lawrence veteran’s agent and fellow honoree, Francisco Urena, also attended the event.
President of the Student Veterans Organization and Navy veteran, senior Theodore Serozynsky, closed the program, saying, “Lastly, but most importantly, I want to thank my fellow veterans. It’s often overlooked that defending our country and our freedom is not a feat that any of us could tackle alone. It is because of those that wore the uniform before us that we were given the opportunity to serve our country, and it’s those who are still bravely serving and those who will come after us who allow us to follow our dreams and enjoy that well deserved freedom. And with that, ‘Thank you for your service.’ ”
