Yale University Pays Tribute to Veterans with Ceremonies and Events

Celebrating Service: Yale's Veterans Day Commemoration

Every year, Yale University orchestrates a grand tribute in honor of Veterans Day, drawing attention to the remarkable service and sacrifices made by its veteran students and community members. This year's ceremonies and related activities were steeped in dignity and pride, embodying the university's commitment to recognizing those who have served in the military. The main event took place at the World War I Memorial situated on Hewitt Quadrangle, a revered site for such commemorations. The ceremony acknowledged generations of alumni who have borne the mantle of military service since Yale’s early days, underscoring a longstanding tradition of service and leadership.

The air was filled with solemn reverence as the Veterans Day Brass Ensemble took center stage, initiating the ceremony with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem. Under the skilled direction of Professor Thomas Duffy, performers Jacob Rose, Will Rich, Yuki Mori, and Alex Friedman, all distinguished music students, delivered a moving performance that struck a chord with attendees. The opening remarks, given with heartfelt gratitude and respect, came from Assistant Chief of Police Von Narcisse, who also serves as a co-Chair of the Yale Veterans Network. Narcisse's words painted a picture of honor, sacrifice, and the lasting virtues embodied by those who serve, setting a contemplative tone for the ceremony.

Acknowledging Heritage and Legacy

The ceremony also highlighted Yale's respect for the land and its historical connections. Secretary and Vice President for University Life Kimberly Goff-Crews expressed gratitude to the indigenous Quinnipiac people, upon whose land the university thrives. Her remarks, blending homage to both the land and its protectors, enriched the event with a profound sense of history and continuity. Following her sentiments, University President Maurie McInnis took the podium to delve deeper into Yale's esteemed tradition of service and its enduring commitment to honoring those who dedicate themselves to causes greater than personal gain. President McInnis shared poignant reflections on her father's active duty service, mingling personal memories with the narratives of great Yale figures like Nathan Hale and Admiral Grace Hopper, whose contributions to service are iconic.

Among those who shared their personal journeys was Briana Thompson, a second-year law student who once served in the United States Air Force. Thompson's tenure spanned 14 years, from 2008 to 2022, a period marked by dedication and growth that Yale's supportive environment further nurtured. Her testimony of gratitude toward the Yale community and her mentors resonated with many, becoming a testament to how institutions like Yale profoundly support veterans transitioning into civilian and academic spheres.

Significant Contributions from the Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The ceremony gracefully transitioned into its concluding segments with Rose and Rich performing “Taps”, an emotionally charged piece that filled the quadrangle with an air of solemnity. Following this, the recognition fell upon this year’s Veterans Day honoree, Michael J. Wishnie. Wishnie, celebrated for his role as the William O. Douglas Clinical Professor of Law and as the founding director of the Veterans Legal Services Clinic, has been pivotal in advocating for veterans' rights. His clinic has spearheaded changes in policy and law, addressing deeply rooted issues such as PTSD-related benefits denials and discrimination against Black veterans. The clinic has successfully challenged legal barriers, including a notable lawsuit that enabled veterans to file class actions against the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing a significant legal advancement.

These acknowledgments reveal the extensive, often challenging work being done to uphold justice and support for veterans. The clinic's advocacy for healthcare access, including gender-affirming surgery and rights for unmarried service members, highlights the often unheard struggles veterans face. It's work that reverberates within the Yale community and beyond, symbolizing a sustained commitment to equity and dignity for all service members. The Veterans Day events at Yale this year were a poignant reminder of the university's role not just in honoring the past contributions of its veteran community but also in actively shaping a more just future for them. Through such ceremonies and the underlying substantive work, Yale continues to affirm its place as an institution dedicated to service, support, and respect for its veterans.