George Washington University students, faculty and staff gathered Friday at Veterans Memorial Park on the Foggy Bottom Campus to commemorate Veterans Day 2017.
During his keynote remarks, GW President Thomas LeBlanc noted that Veterans Day makes him think about family: His father and two of his brothers served in branches of the military.
Dr. LeBlanc also emphasized the transformative power of higher education on individuals—including U.S. student veterans, many of whom are able to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to attend college.
“GW has a unique opportunity to continue to support these veterans,” Dr. LeBlanc said. “GW has already educated veterans in leadership roles today, like [U.S.] Sen. Tammy Duckworth. I expect we will see many of our past, current and future student veterans taking on leadership roles through public service or high-profile industry roles—and quietly, through leadership in their chosen industry or local communities. The veterans who attend GW strengthen our university, strengthen the student experience and bring honor to our institution.”
(Logan Werlinger/GW Today)
Friday’s ceremony also included remarks from Tyler McManus, GW Veterans president, Victoria Pridemore, associate director of the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, and Hank Molinengo, senior associate dean for administrative affairs and professor at GW Law, as well as a presentation of the wreath.
The ceremony was planned by the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services and GW Veterans and was part of a week’s worth of events for the GW community to honor veteran and military students, faculty and staff.
GW continued its commitment to military and veteran students by expanding its Yellow Ribbon Program benefits last June. The university has been named a “Best for Vets” university by Military Times since 2010 and has been listed among G.I. Jobs’ “Military-Friendly” institutions since 2009.
