November 10, 2020
Dear Members of the Connecticut College Community,
Tomorrow is Veterans Day, a U.S. holiday that recognizes and honors those who have served their country.
Connecticut College has a long history of supporting those who have served. Students in our very first class–the Class of 1919–supported the First World War in numerous ways. And, when Armistice was declared on Nov. 11, 1918, our students marched downtown to join the sailors, soldiers, and residents of New London in a citywide parade.
Given our history and our close proximity to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Naval submarine base, the Conn community perhaps has a greater knowledge of–and appreciation for–military service than people on many other college campuses. There are a number of veterans among our staff, faculty, and students, and you may know people in your immediate or extended family who served. Whatever your situation, I encourage all of you to take a moment tomorrow to reflect on the meaning of this kind of service.
In recognition of this day, two of our staff who are veterans, Interim Director of Facilities and Utilities Tom Hobaica and Senior Programmer/Analyst Mary Vona, along with one of our veteran students, Brandon Boyd ’21, will join me for an 8:30 a.m. flag-raising ceremony by the Gatehouse. It will be a meaningful way to mark the beginning of Veterans Day. Should you wish to attend, please remember that masks and social distancing are expected.
In addition, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Programs will focus their weekly PAUSE event, this Thursday at noon, on commemorating Veterans Day. All are welcome to attend via Zoom: https://conncoll-edu.zoom.us/
I encourage you to participate and to join me in thanking the veterans among us for their service.
Yours,
Katherine Bergeron
President