Veterans Day is a day which honors all veterans who have defended our country, and fought for our freedom. Kean remembers to thank those who are veterans, as well as those who have died defending our honor, every year with an observance ceremony. This year it occurred on November 12. Speakers, faculty, staff, and students huddled outside of the University Center in spite of the chilly weather to pay homage.
Veterans Day is officially on November 11, and it was celebrated to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice to end World War I. In 1926, a resolution was passed for all Americans to recognize the day and since 1938 it has been a legal holiday. It has now formed into a federal and state holiday honoring and remembering the commitment of those living that have served any time in the military.Click here to view this slideshow

Stephen Vence, Assistant to the Dean in the College of Business and Public Administration and Director of Veterans Program, moderated the program by giving brief introductions of the speakers who would say inspiring words about the day and what it represents. Many of the speakers were returnees from last year, while others were chosen to speak to the audience about Veterans Day.

Vice President of Funded Groups for Student Organization of Kean University, Inc., Sarah Ogundele, took some time to say a few words of dedication in honor of Veterans Day. Shortly after a list of names were read students at Kean who have served or are currently serving our country.

Those in attendance at the program included President of Kean University, Dawood Farahi; Vice President of Administration and Finance, Phillip Connelly; and Audley Bridges, Director of Undergraduate Admission.

A well known name to Kean University is retired veteran and former Kean University employee, Bob Maslo, who came to this year's program as well. When he reached the podium, he reminded everyone about the wars that have been fought past and present and to honor those young men and women who fight for our country.

Joe Fioretti, another Veteran who served and Kean employee, took the honor of reading off the names of Kean University employees who had served, while those in the crowd clapped in appreciation. As he read off names, he added by saying a few words about the character's of certain people he knew.

While we never forget, Kean's participation in honoring the commitment of others solidifies the message that we must pay respect to those who have fought and continue to fight for America. Some of the speakers became teary eyed as they recalled people who they may have lost, or who are currently away on active duty.

To celebrate the patriotism, Della Robinson sang, "God Bless America", shortly before the end of the program. This is one of the many good things about Kean University in that it celebrates those who are a part of the Kean community who have made admirable accomplishments.