Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University commemorated Veterans Day with a ceremony on November 11, held in the Sidney Gelber Auditorium. The event honored military personnel's sacrifices and featured performances by the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band and Jennifer Lucas, a retired U.S. Army member.

Rabbi Joseph Topek delivered the invocation, while Daniel Jones performed "Taps." Victoria Ralston, a senior psychology major and co-host of the event, shared her experiences as a military dependent. “My father is an active duty naval officer," she said, emphasizing adaptability and resilience learned from her upbringing.

Interim President Richard McCormick highlighted veterans' contributions to the university community. “Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard," he expressed gratitude for their service. He acknowledged student veteran Eric Mitchell's efforts to assist other veterans transitioning to academic life.

Jamie Ford, another co-host studying marine biology, spoke about her father's military influence on her childhood and work at the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services. “Working in the office has been one of my favorite experiences at SBU," she stated.

Marine Corps veteran Jonah Torres discussed his journey from basic training to becoming an instructor. He found his academic home at Stony Brook after returning to Long Island. “Just like when I joined the Marine Corps," he expressed his desire to contribute to something larger than himself.

Keynote speaker Richard Acritelli welcomed all veterans and specifically Vietnam War veterans for their ongoing support roles. Acritelli shared how growing up in Port Jefferson Station inspired his passion for history. He credited his military service for educational opportunities provided by the GI Bill.

Acritelli recounted memorable encounters with veterans like Martin Andrews, a B-17 bomber pilot who narrowly escaped capture during World War II. As an educator, Acritelli shares such stories with students to highlight veterans' significant contributions.

He emphasized that there are approximately 18 million veterans in the United States today and recognized those connected with Stony Brook University: "We are here today to thank our veterans — past, present, and future — for their sacrifice and service."