Veterans Day Observed at Scranton

The University of Scranton’s President and ROTC students participated in a Veterans Day service at the Lackawanna County Courthouse and University students, faculty and staff gathered for an All Faiths Prayer Service on-campus to honor and remember veterans on Nov. 11.

University President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., was the principal speaker at a Veterans Day event held at the Lackawanna County Court House Square. University ROTC cadets served as the Color Guard at the ceremony.

Father Marina began his remarks by playing his cell phone’s ring tone – The United States Coast Guard song “Semper Paratus,” which is the branch the military where his father served. He spoke of the songs for each branch of the military intended to “spark the bravery in the women and men who will risk everything to protect others … And with God’s Grace and purpose, high has been the call for those who have served so bravely in all the branches of the U.S. military and those who continue to serve today.”

Father Marina also spoke of the University’s long history educating men and women in the military through the ROTC program, as well as through programs at Scranton that support student veterans and their families.

On campus, current student veterans Benjamin DeTrempe of Scranton, Shannon Stoddard of Scranton and Kyle Twitchell of Barnesville, Maryland, led an All Faiths Prayer Service hosted by the University’s Student Veterans Organization, Veterans Advocacy Committee, Student Life, Financial Aid and Campus Ministries. University student Selene Lopez, New Rochelle, New York, sang the National Anthem at the service.

At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled and blessed honoring Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph K. Wetherell, who served at Scranton for 25 years in the Military Science Department and University’s Office of Admissions. He passed away in 2020.

The University’s observance of Veterans Day also included a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green and a tribute on its Class of 2020 Gateway sign.