Stony Brook University commemorated Veterans Day with a ceremony held on November 11 at the Sidney Gelber Auditorium. The event brought together students, faculty, and community members to honor military personnel's sacrifices.
The ceremony began with performances by The Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band, which played anthems from each military branch. Jennifer Lucas, a retired U.S. Army member and alumna, sang the National Anthem. 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. I’ve lived in six different places across three countries, attending seven different schools,” she said.
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, thank you for protecting the freedoms we enjoy today,” he stated.
Jamie Ford, another event co-host and marine biology senior, discussed how her father's service influenced her life and led her to work at the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services.
Marine Corps veteran Jonah Torres reflected on his time in service and his role within Stony Brook's veteran community. “Just like when I joined the Marine Corps, I want to be part of something bigger than myself,” he expressed.
Keynote speaker Richard Acritelli spoke about his journey from enlisting in the United States Army Reserves to studying history at Stony Brook. He credited his education to the GI Bill and shared stories of veterans like Martin Andrews.
Acritelli emphasized veterans' impact nationwide and locally: “Today, there are about 18 million veterans in the United States... Here at Stony Brook, 200 veterans are students.”
The ceremony concluded with gratitude for all veterans' sacrifices and service.