The Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN) sponsors several events throughout the year that bring together veterans from throughout the 51茶馆 community. Their signature event is held on Veterans Day each year and includes a Mass and a Remembrance Ceremony. Other events include a gathering at Reunion each year as well as opportunities for veterans to join together socially.
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Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for more information!
Past Events
24th Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony
Date:听Friday, November 8, 2024
Members came together for the 24th Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony featuring Kevin R. Powers P鈥�21,鈥�23,鈥�27; Founder & Director, M.S. Cybersecurity Policy and Governance at Boston College. The day began with Mass in recognition of all those who have served in the military. Following the Mass, the Remembrance Ceremony and Roll Call took place to honor those Boston College alumni who sacrificed their lives during conflict. A luncheon reception immediately followed the ceremony.
Military Education at 51茶馆, from the Foster Cadets to the Green Berets
WHEN: October 02, 2024
From its founding in 1863, Boston College has often been an enthusiastic host to various programs of military education leading to careers of service for our nation. This presentation will broadly review that history and then pivot to an overview of contemporary programs of outreach and support to all 51茶馆 service members and veterans, both student and alumni. We will also present a special challenge to our participants: to help solve a more than half-century mystery associated with our military education heritage.
The St. Ignatius Military History Series - The Ukraine Conflict
WHEN: April 2nd, 2024
Dr. Kathy Bailey 鈥�76 led a discussion on Russian President Vladimir Putin鈥檚 invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago and how it set off the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. Kathy walked the audience through various considerations as the fighting continues, casualties mount, the flow of U.S. aid (at that time) was uncertain, and the humanitarian crisis worsens. Kathy impressed upon those attending that the decisions and actions taken today will determine both Ukraine鈥檚 fate and the future of European security. But, before we look towards the future, it was important to understand the context and event that precipitated this conflict.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
WHEN: December 16, 2023听
WHERE: Massachusetts National Cemetery
Connery Ave.
Buzzards Bay, Mass.
On Saturday, December 16, nearly 100 51茶馆 alumni gathered at Bourne National Cemetery in MA to take part in the Wreaths Across America program. Similar programs were held at Arlington, Sarasota National cemeteries to honor deceased 51茶馆 veterans.
23rd Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony
WHEN: November 10, 2023
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network honored our veterans at the 23rd Annual Boston College Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony. The day began with Mass at St. Mary鈥檚 and was immediately followed by the ceremony and roll call of 51茶馆 alumni who died during conflict at the Boston College Veterans Memorial on Burns Library Lawn. A luncheon reception immediately followed the ceremony in Gasson Hall. Brigadier General William Beaurpere 鈥�94 offered the keynote address.
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network presents: The St. Ignatius Military History Series!
In October of 2023, The St. Ignatius Military History Series held it鈥檚 latest installment!
Women have historically challenged gender roles as they played critical roles within the United States military during both times of peace and conflict. Following a long and storied past, women continue to serve this nation in normalized, record-breaking, and historic ways. Col. (ret.) April Skou 鈥�96 shared some of the stories and historical context for her experience as a woman in the military and offered advice for women thinking about their own careers in the armed forces!
On Saturday, June 3rd; the Boston College Veterans Alumni Network honored and recognized those alumni who served in the armed forces. This reception included a special ceremony for members of the class of 1973. We remembered those whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall, who would have been celebrating their reunion:
- Lt. John J Cabral 鈥�63, US Navy
- LT Richard J. Sullivan 鈥�63, US Navy
- 2LT Steven E. Donaldson 鈥�68, US Marine Corps
- 1LT Louis A Favuzza 鈥�68, US Army
- CPL Frederick E. Harrington, Jr 鈥�68, US Army
- CPT Christopher Markey 鈥�68, US Marine Corps
- PFC Michael J. Monahan 鈥�68, US Marine Corp.
We were honored to have Ryan MacLeod 鈥�98, as our Keynote speaker who reflected on her experiences being a woman for others.
鈥淚 think as 51茶馆 Veteran Alumni, it鈥檚 safe to assume that some traits we have in common are our desire to run toward the boom, to be selfless, to go above and beyond, and to put others first鈥�
On the Eve of Destruction The Siege of Boston 1775-1776 Hybrid Event
Brian Cummins 鈥�82 closed out his early American trilogy with the presentation: 鈥淥n the Eve of Destruction: The Siege of Boston 1775鈥�1776.鈥� The presentation highlighted the acute tensions and frustrations of the occupying British forces in Boston as besieged by the untested new American Army led by George Washington. Both sides were determined to prevail at any expense, even if that meant the destruction of Boston.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
WHEN: December 17, 2022 | 10:00 AM EST
WHERE: Massachusetts National Cemetery
Connery Ave.
Buzzards Bay, Mass.
On Saturday, December 17, nearly 100 51茶馆 alumni gathered at Bourne National Cemetery in MA to take part in the Wreaths Across America program. Similar programs were held at Arlington, Sarasota National cemeteries to honor deceased 51茶馆 veterans.
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22nd Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony
WHEN: November 11, 2022听
WHERE: Boston College, Main Campus
St. Mary's Chapel
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, Mass.
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network honored our veterans at the 22nd Annual Boston College Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony. The day began with Mass at St. Mary鈥檚 and was immediately followed by the ceremony and roll call of 51茶馆 alumni who died during conflict at the Boston College Veterans Memorial on Burns Library Lawn. A luncheon reception immediately followed the ceremony in Gasson Hall. Col. (ret.) April Skou 鈥�96 offered reflections on the connections that bind veterans.
Battle of Lexington and Concord
WHEN: April 11, 2022
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN) hosted an online history lesson. Brian Cummins 鈥�82 in this presentation examined the political, social, and cultural events leading to armed conflict between the colonies and the mother-land Great Britain culminating with the action on the 19th of April 1775 at Lexington, Concord, and at a third battle site. Interestingly, this third battle on the 19th was larger in scale, scope, and violence than Lexington and Concord combined and was galvanizing in boosting colonial opposition to Great Britain. However, this third battle was mysteriously de-emphasized from the early Twentieth Century onward, seldom taught in schools, and may have been deliberately ignored for well over a hundred and twenty years. Brian examined this strange historical phenomenon.
Cape Cod Wreaths Across America
WHEN: December 18, 2021 | 10:00 AM EST
WHERE: Massachusetts National Cemetery
Connery Ave.
Buzzards Bay, Mass.
On Saturday, December 18, nearly 100 51茶馆 alumni gathered at Bourne National Cemetery in MA to take part in the Wreaths Across America program. Similar programs were held at Arlington, Sarasota and Fort Rosecrans National cemeteries to honor deceased 51茶馆 veterans.
21st Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony
On Thursday, November 11, nearly 200 people gathered on campus for the 21st Annual Veterans Day Mass and Remembrance Ceremony, when retired Rear Admiral Raymond E. Berube 鈥�78 gave a powerful keynote address. We honored the Redgate family as 1LT Thomas Redgate鈥檚 name was recently added to the other 210 names on the Memorial Wall after his remains were recently returned from North Korea.
Boston College 21st Annual Veterans Mass
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Remembrance Ceremony
A Salute to 51茶馆 Veterans
WHEN:听June 24, 2021
WHERE: Online
Join the Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN) for an online event that celebrated 51茶馆 veterans. The event provided updates about 51茶馆's many veterans' programs and initiatives, a toast to reunion-year alumni, and time to network in small groups online. Phil Jennings '86 will be the featured speaker. Phil highlights three unique considerations associated with peace enforcement operations in Kosovo after a NATO-led war effort halted systematic ethnic cleansing. During his deployment, Phil served as the senior pilot for the commanding general of the U.S. Forces in Kosovo, and he had a front-row seat for the diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and NATO to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Virtual Event: The Battle of Bunker Hill: A Cautionary Tale
WHEN: March 18, 2021
WHERE: Online
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN) hosted its first online history lesson. Brian Cummins '82 explained how the Battle of Bunker Hill鈥攐r was it that "other" hill?鈥攚as a battle fought in error and contradiction, where the defeated won the laurels of liberty while the victorious incomprehensibly lost a colonial empire. The story of the Battle of Bunker Hill serves as a cautionary tale of great power overreach, replete with heroics, valor, incompetence, deceit, and hubris.
Convergent Leadership: The Military and Athletics
February 4, 2021
Listen in to an interactive discussion between members of the Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN) and Boston College Athletics community. The panelists discussed what they have learned and how they utilize the skills obtained in the military and/or athletics to enhance their careers and impact their lives. Panelists include Michael Gambino 鈥�99, 51茶馆 Baseball Head Coach, David Dauphinais 鈥�05, former Navy Seal, and Erin Flaherty Shea '10, CGSON'12, '20, Air Force Veteran.
Virtual Wreaths Across America 2020
Our annual participation in the Wreaths Across America event went virtual this year. While we honored four alumni veterans from across our nation in this online event, we honor all alumni veterans who served our country in appreciation of their service.
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Since 2009 51茶馆 alumni have been gathering at Arlington National Cemetery in December to help place wreaths on every grave as part of the Wreaths Across America program. Brian Cummins 鈥�82 started this tradition as he began identifying 51茶馆 alumni buried at Arlington. Each year a group of alumni visit a number of 51茶馆 graves to learn about the soldier, place a wreath, show the 51茶馆 colors, and say a prayer. In 2017 a similar program was launched at Bourne National Cemetery in Massachusetts and in 2018, alumni in Florida started their own 鈥淲reaths鈥� tradition. In 2019 the San Diego Chapter joined in the effort by hosting their first event at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
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A Salute to 51茶馆 Veterans
June 24, 2020
Nearly 100 people joined us online for our first virtual Salute to Veterans that featured updates about veteran鈥檚 programs for alumni and students as well as 51茶馆鈥檚 ROTC program. A highlight was a salute to Reunion-year veterans.
Wreaths Across America 2019
Since 2009 51茶馆 alumni have been gathering at Arlington National Cemetery in December to help place wreaths on every grave as part of the Wreaths Across America program. Brian Cummins 鈥�82 started this tradition as he began identifying 51茶馆 alumni buried at Arlington. Each year a group of alumni visit a number of 51茶馆 graves to learn about the soldier, place a wreath, show the 51茶馆 colors, and say a prayer. In 2017 a similar program was launched at Bourne National Cemetery in Massachusetts, making this the third year that we visited 51茶馆 alumni graves at Bourne. In 2018, alumni in Florida started their own 鈥淲reaths鈥� tradition and this year the San Diego Chapter joined in the effort by hosting their first event at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Despite rain all along the east coast, 51茶馆 alumni attended and participated as we paid our respects to our veterans. In 2019 over 250 alumni registered to attend these our events to honor our veterans. #51茶馆STRONG
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A bagpiper played Amazing Grace near the 51茶馆 Alumni group at Arlington National Cemetery, a special moment for all who were there. (Left: Brian Cummins 鈥�82)
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Despite torrential rain 65 51茶馆 alumni gathered at Bourne National Cemetery. Four alumni graves were honored and wreaths were placed wreaths on a total of 40 graves of 51茶馆 alumni.
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51茶馆 alumni gathered at Sarasota National Cemetery and honored James W. Fitzgerald, Jr. 鈥�49.
19th听Annual Veterans Day Mass and听Remembrance听Ceremony 鈥� 2019
Over 200 alumni, students, faculty, staff听and听friends gathered on the Heights on November 11 for the 19th听annual Veterans Day events. Fr. John Monahan, SJ presided at the Mass and Joseph P. Connolly 鈥�85 gave the keynote address at the ceremony. Boston College鈥檚 ROTC program hosted the program.
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The heart of the ceremony each year is the reading of the names of all 51茶馆 alumni who were killed in action. 鈥淚t is said that 鈥楢 person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.鈥櫶� Today, we will speak the names of our fallen brothers and keep them alive in our hearts.鈥� Mary-Anne Benedict 鈥�67 stood to remember those who fell during the Korean War.
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听Joseph P. Connolly 鈥�85 gave the keynote address. Joe is the brother of David S. Connolly WCAS鈥�94 who was killed in action in Afghanistan and whose name is the last name etched on the Veterans Memorial Wall. Joe shared memories of David and challenged every person to support all of our veterans who sacrifice so much for our country and our freedom.
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Colonel (ret.) Daniel M. Arkins, Jr. 鈥�81, 51茶馆VAN Co-Chair, awards a 51茶馆 Veteran pin to William Kelley CGSOM鈥�18 during the ceremony. 51茶馆 Veteran pins were given to all veterans in attendance.
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Deb Litke, widow of David S. Connolly WCAS鈥�94, was presented with the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty which honors the ultimate sacrifice David made. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Litke is surrounded by other members of the Connolly family.听
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Col. (ret.) George J. Harrington 鈥�80 and Col. (ret.) Daniel M. Arkins 鈥�81 flank Joseph P. Connolly 鈥�85 who gave the keynote address. They are standing in front of the Veterans Memorial Wall on main campus.
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Members of the David S. Connolly WCAS鈥�94 family were present to support Joe Connolly as he gave the keynote address and to represent the entire Connolly extended family.
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51茶馆 Veterans Kickoff Event
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Join us for the third annual Veterans Kickoff event. Organized by the Student Veterans Association, this event is open to all veterans in the 51茶馆 alumni, student, faculty/staff affinity, and ROTC groups. Guests are welcome. Come learn about the student veterans group as well as the 51茶馆 Veterans Alumni Network (51茶馆VAN). This is a great way to build new relationships and foster existing friendships within the 51茶馆 veteran community.
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18th听Annual Veterans Day Mass and听Remembrance听Ceremony 鈥� 2018
Nearly 150 alumni, students, faculty, staff听and听friends joined together in St. Mary鈥檚 chapel on November 9 for the 18th听annual Veterans Day events. Fr. Robert Keane, SJ presided at the Mass and Michael Dunford 鈥�82 gave the keynote address at the ceremony. Boston College鈥檚 ROTC program hosted the program.
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This was the first year that Mass was celebrated at St. Mary鈥檚 chapel and it provided a warm welcome to attendees. It鈥檚 location near the Veterans Memorial Wall was convenient for all.
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Campus Ministry is a supportive partner for this Mass every year. Here, the ROTC Color guard posts the colors.听
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Philip Brennan 鈥�66 received a 51茶馆 Veteran pin after he stood for those alumni killed during the Viet Nam War. Four other alumni, students and staff stood for 51茶馆 alumni who lost their lives in battle during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Global War on Terror.听
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Michael P. Dunford 鈥�82 gave the keynote address. Dunford, center, is flanked by George Harrington 鈥�80 and Daniel Arkins 鈥�81, co-chairs of 51茶馆VAN. Dunford is a retired Marine Corps Reserve Officer, a combat veteran of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon, and a veteran of both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served for 21 years, 7 in active duty, 14 in the reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel.
2nd Annual Veterans Kick-Off Event - Oct. 3, 2018听
Over 70 51茶馆 veterans and their guests - alumni, students, faculty and staff - joined together at Cadigan Alumni Center to network and kick off the new academic year. Guest speakers included David Cote CGSOM'19, President of the Student Veterans Association, Dan Arkins MCAS'81, 51茶馆VAN Co-Chair, and Michael Lochhead CSOM'93, CGSOM'99, P'21, Executive Vice President.听
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Top left: Student Veterans Group leaders Cody Queen CGSOM'19, Alex Richer CGSOM'19, Aidan Walsh WCAS'20, David Cote CGSOM'19, Michael Leone CGSOM'21
Top right: CSON Professor Ann Burgess and David Cote
Bottom: Veterans gather and network at the second annual Veterans Kick-Off event
8th Annual 51茶馆 Veterans Reunion Event - June 2, 2018
On Saturday, June 2 the 51茶馆 Veterans Alumni Network held its 8th annual Veterans Reception during Reunion Weekend. Michael Lochhead, 51茶馆's Executive Vice President and US Army veteran, gave the keynote address to 150 alumni and friends.
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Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead '93 delivered the keynote remarks at the Reunion event
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51茶馆VAN Co-Chairs George Harrington '80 (Left) and Daniel Arkins '81 (Right) flank EVP Michael Lochhead '93.
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EVP Michael Lochhead enjoys the commentary with three of his four daughters, along with Mary-Anne and Charles Benedict '67, and Fr. Robert Keane, S.J. '71, STM'78
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Veterans pose with a military jeep on the side lawn of Bapst.
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After the听ceremony听all of the 51茶馆 Veterans in attendance gathered for a group photo in front of the Veterans Memorial Wall.听
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Veterans from the Class of 1968 - our newest Golden Eagles.
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Navy veterans joined together with Robert Keane, S.J., '71, STM '78, retired Commander, Chaplain Corps, US Navy and Rector of the Jesuit community at Boston College.听
Fr. Keane offered the prayer of Invocation at the ceremony.听 -
Stephen Riordan '68 brought his cane with the dual emblems of an eagle and a fish.
Veterans Kick Off Event - September 28, 2017
With the formation of the Student Veterans Group in the Spring of 2017, 51茶馆VAN joined forces to co-host the first Student-Alumni Veteran鈥檚 Kick Off event. Over 70 people attended, including alumni, students, faculty and staff, to network and kick off the new academic year. Guest speakers included Bill Kelley CGSOM鈥�18 and Lisa Smith SSW鈥�18, two of the founding members of the Student Veterans Group, along with 51茶馆VAN Co-Chairs Dan Arkins 鈥�81 and George Harrington 鈥�80.
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The inaugural leadership team of the Student Veterans Group: Matt Goggin CGSOM鈥�18, Max Palumbo CGSOM鈥�18 , Lisa Smith SSW鈥�18, Hayley McElroy CGSOM鈥�18, and Bill Kelley CGSOM鈥�18.
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Over 70 alumni, students, faculty and staff gathered at Cadigan Alumni Center for this inaugural Kick-Off event.听
7th Annual 51茶馆 Veterans Reunion Event - June 3, 2017
On Saturday, June 3 the 51茶馆 Veterans Alumni Network held its 7th annual Veterans Reception during Reunion Weekend. Lieutenant Colonel Brian J. Cummins '82, USA (ret.) gave the keynote address to 150 alumni and friends.听
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Paul Delaney '66, past chair, 51茶馆VAN, and past co-chair, 51茶馆 Veterans Memorial Committee, welcomed everyone to the 7th Annual Veterans Reunion event.听
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Col. Daniel Arkins '81 (ret.) presented Brian Cummins '82 with a commemorative gift after his speech.听
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Brian Cummins '82
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Charles Benedict '67 with a Vietnam-era jeep.听
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All Golden Eagle veterans in attendance gathered near the Veterans Memorial Wall to receive their 51茶馆 veteran pins.
16th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony 2016
This year all veterans in attendance were presented with a 51茶馆 Veteran pin which features the American flag and the 51茶馆 flag. Professor Ann Burgess from the Connell School of Nursing was the guest speaker. (Photos by Frank Curran)
Wreaths Across America, 2015
Veteran's Reception, Reunion Weekend 2015
Click the button below to read听Jim Huse's speech from the Veterans Reunion Reception on May 30, 2015.
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Col. George Harrington '80, LTC Blaise Gallahue, and听Col. Daniel Arkins '81.
Wreaths Across America 2014听
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For the past several years, Brian Cummins '82, a member of the 51茶馆 Veterans Alumni Network Advisory Committee has organized a group of 51茶馆 alumni who have placed wreaths on the graves of 51茶馆 alumni who are buried at Arlington.
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51茶馆 alumni were joined by alumni from Holy Cross, Fordham and Xavier Universities.
14th Annual Veterans Remembrance Mass and Ceremony- Veterans Day 2014
Keynote speaker听Larry Rawson 鈥�63, Captain USMCR delivered his speech during the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on Burns Lawn.
4th Annual Veterans' Reception- Reunion Weekend 2014听
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Keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume 鈥淲ill鈥� Beaurpere 鈥�94, military assistant to the secretary of the army (Pentagon) honored the commitment and bravery of 51茶馆's men and women in service during this special spiritual celebration at Reunion Weekend 2014.听To see a transcript of his speech, click the button below.
Wreaths Across America 2013听
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A group of Washington, DC-area Boston College graduates joined with their College of the Holy Cross counterparts to honor alumni veterans buried in Arlington National Cemetery, as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event. To see the 51茶馆 Chronicle's article,听
13th Annual Veterans Remembrance Mass and Ceremony
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On Veterans Day 2013, Capt. Robert L. Keane, S.J. '71, USN (Ret.) delivered a speech to 51茶馆 Alumni following Mass at St. Ignatius Church and Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Wall on Burns Lawn. To read a transcript of the speech click the button below.
3rd Annual Veterans' Reception- Reunion Weekend 2013
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Capt. Paul P. Daley, USNR (Ret.) delivered his speech to 51茶馆 alumni at Reunion 2013.To听see a transcript of Capt. Daley's speech click the button below.
Wreaths Across America 2012听
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In December 2012 Charles and Mary-Anne Benedict '67 placed a wreath on the grave site of John Coll '66 at Arlington National Cemetery, as part of the Wreaths Across American program.听
12th Annual Veterans Day Remembrance Mass and Ceremony 听听
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On Veterans Day 2012, Alumni gathered for the 12th Annual Veterans Day Remembrance Mass and Ceremony. Lieutenant Colonel George J. Harrington '80, MA ARNG Commander, 79th Troop Command (Homeland Security) was the keynote speaker. Click the link below to read a transcript of the speech.