“What Veterans Day Means to Me”: BU Veterans and Active Soldiers Reflect

"What Veterans Day Means to Me": BU Veterans and Active Soldiers Reflect

Current students, faculty, staff, and alum reflect on the importance of the holiday

Jack Weinstein, professor of the practice of international security, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies

US Air Force, 1982-2018. Rank: Lt. General (Ret.)

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifices of others who have served in the military rather than focusing on oneself. It is a day to honor veterans' dedication and the sacrifices their families made-the often unrecognized heroes. Unlike Memorial Day, which is dedicated to remembering those who have died in service to the country, Veterans Day celebrates all who have served, whether in times of peace or conflict. The day isn't about sales, free food, or coffee, but acknowledging veterans' commitment to protect our nation.

Kevin Kugel, associate director, Health, Safety, and Security, BU Global Programs

US Army, 1994-2016. Rank: Lt. Colonel

What Veterans Day means to me

For me, Veterans Day is a celebration of selfless service to our country. I am incredibly thankful for all of the wonderful individuals I have been lucky enough to serve with over the course of my career. I'm also thankful to all those who have ever worn a uniform and served in the US military. Some spent months or years at a time away from their loved ones in a combat zone. Some never deployed to combat, but spent long, long hours training and preparing to defend our country against foreign aggression. Every single one of them sacrificed something and displayed courage and dedication beyond all reasonable expectations. I am honored to be a part of that very exclusive brother- and sisterhood.

Warrenkevin Henderson (GRS'26)

US Navy, 2008-2017. Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

What Veterans Day means to me

It is often said that sacrifice is a quintessential trait of a veteran, rooted in the very real possibility that a service member will not return home. Every person who has served and is serving understands this and actively takes on that responsibility. That means that, when the time comes to stand for the values of the United States of America and the American people, the call will be answered so others don't have to. It involves being OK with missing out on many holidays, birthdays, marriages, births, and even deaths. In the same breath, it involves being willing to be broken down as an individual to rise as part of a team. This includes coming together and looking past what makes you an individual, because at the end of the day, we're united as Americans because of our differences. So, what does it mean to be a veteran? It means hope-the hope to come together and work together, knowing that what truly makes us different only binds us closer to one another, making us stronger.

Margaret Brown, battalion executive officer and assistant professor of military science, BU Army ROTC

US Army, 2012-present. Rank: Captain

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day embodies hope for me. For 249 years, Americans have consistently answered the call to serve, in both times of peace and turmoil. My 12 years in the Army represent just a brief chapter in the long and honorable history of this organization. I am deeply grateful to be part of the Army's legacy and honored to help shape the next generation of leaders through my role in the Boston University Army ROTC department, where I am privileged to be inspired by, and learn from, remarkable future leaders.

The cadets, whether committing to long-term military service or opting to serve their communities in other capacities, instill hope in me. Observing their dedication, well-rounded abilities, and independent thinking reassures me about our nation's future. They have the potential to impact the world positively in a myriad of ways. Their openness and innovative approaches challenge me to broaden my perspectives and creatively address problems-exactly the mindset our nation requires to tackle critical issues and conflicts.

As a new mother, their commitment is especially inspiring. It fills me with optimism, knowing my child will grow up in a nation where individuals still choose to serve selflessly and commit to greater causes, fully aware of the risks.

Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served before us, support those who are currently serving, and look forward with hope to the future leaders who will uphold and advance these cherished values.

Duncan Millar (Questrom'27)

US Army, 2017-2024. Rank: Captain

What Veterans Day means to me

More than any other day, it's a chance to reflect on a shared bond and shared experience. This is my first Veterans Day since leaving active duty and "becoming" a veteran. Frankly, it's a title and a transition I'm still getting used to. I served in the Army during a very formative time in my life, as really all service members do. I credit who I am today in large part to the leaders, peers, and soldiers I served with, and the lessons we learned together along the way. And I think Veterans Day is a chance to reflect on how, in many ways, mine is a shared experience.

Brendan Connors, assistant professor of naval science, BU Navy ROTC

US Marine Corps, 2019-present. Rank: Captain

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day holds a profound significance to me as both a Marine and a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. It's a moment to pause and reflect on the incredible dedication and sacrifices of those who have served, are currently serving, and those who aspire to serve in the future. I offer my deepest gratitude to these individuals for their commitment to protecting the freedoms and values we hold dear.

Having experienced NROTC as an undergraduate and now serving as an NROTC instructor here in Boston, I am constantly reminded of the dedication of the students who are signing up to serve. Their passion and commitment are a blessing to witness and inspire me daily.

Veterans Day is also a time for me to acknowledge how fortunate I've been throughout my life-growing up in such a beautiful and supportive community here in Massachusetts, where opportunities and security are often taken for granted. I feel a deep responsibility to give back in any way I can, inspired by the example set by the veterans who have come before me. Their courage and selflessness have shaped this country, and it's up to each of us to ensure their legacy is honored.

For me, Veterans Day is more than just a day of recognition. It's a reminder to emulate the virtues of those who have made significant personal sacrifices for the greater good and to continuously strive to better my community and country in their honor.

Jesse Lorenz (Sargent'27)

US Army, 2017-2021. Rank: Sergeant

What Veterans Day means to me

I always think about the soldiers who are currently deployed. Let's not forget to celebrate them as well as those who served previously.

Diana Camacho (CAS'26)

US Coast Guard, 2018-2022. Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

What Veterans Day means to me

You can't define Veterans Day without first defining a veteran. To me, a veteran is someone who saw an opportunity, whether it was to serve their country, leave their hometown, or build a better future for themselves. Veterans are go-getters, people who see a challenge and pursue it. So, in turn, Veterans Day is about celebrating those who took risks for something they deemed worthy of their lives.

I served in the United States Coast Guard. I didn't experience war or conflict, but I did take part in hurricane relief, boat operations, and dealt with numerous at-sea casualties. We didn't train just in case of a conflict; we were in the Caribbean chasing drug traffickers, rescuing stranded people at sea, and ensuring waterways were clear. This wasn't drilling or practice-it was real life. We touched many lives, hopefully for the better. I took the opportunity to become a veteran as a way to escape poverty and did some truly raw, impactful work. I am not unique in this, but I am grateful.

This isn't typically what people picture when they think of a veteran. They don't often envision a young Hispanic woman. But the fact that I represent a portion of veterans on Veterans Day, and stand as part of generations who served before me to make this possible, is why Veterans Day has meaning and is worth celebrating.

Luis Costales (SDM'26)

US Army, 2022-present. Rank: Specialist (E-4)

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day is a meaningful day for me. As a service member, I am deeply honored to serve this great country. America has given me so much, and it feels right to give something back. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the selflessness of those who have served before us. In my short time in the military, I've had the privilege of meeting true veterans, people who have sacrificed greatly to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

In today's world, where division is often the focus, it is crucial to remember the strength and spirit that make America the greatest country on Earth. I am constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity of everyday Americans. We may have our debates and disagreements, but at its core, this country moves forward because of people working hard to do good for each other.

This Veterans Day, I reflect not just on the bravery of our veterans, but also on the duty we all have to reach out, offer support, and be there for those who served. Suicide prevention within the veteran community is one of the most important battles we face today. Let us not only thank our veterans, but stand by them, not just today, but every day.

Bob Maxwell, assistant director for academic support, Educational Resource Center

US Army, 1988-1992. Rank: Sergeant

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day means two things to me. First and foremost, it is an occasion for every American to reflect on those who served as a kind of precursor to a far more significant day of observance: Memorial Day. Those who were so devoted to the ideas of America and service that they were willing to leave their loved ones behind and make the ultimate sacrifice deserve nothing less than our full devotion to their memories and to their families, whose loss echoes across generations. If we allow it, this can also help us remember our shared bonds in a time of bitter partisanship and perhaps consider sharing our own talents and resources in our communities.

Jeff Chin, adjunct lecturer, School of Social Work

US Navy, 2011-present. Rank: Lt. Commander. Currently in US Navy Reserve/Active

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day is a time to honor and acknowledge all service members who have sacrificed so much for the good of the country. Men and women of all backgrounds, experiences, and orientations choose to volunteer their time, talents, and big parts of their lives to serve the nation in this capacity. With our nation so incredibly divided politically, it is important to remember that our military is an institution that often transcends these polarizations, and our veterans all deserve to be viewed as examples of what service to country should mean. Veterans embody some of the ideals that have eluded many of us in these increasingly turbulent times-sacrifice self to help others, build purpose through community, achieve a common goal using teamwork and intentional collaboration.

Ironically, many of our veterans have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms through our history and combating oppression in the face of those who would undermine democracy. These freedoms are what allow us to exercise our rights to free speech, voice our political views, and operate freely in a society with vastly differing views.

As a service member, it is my sincere hope that our nation honors our veterans not only because of the multitude of ways they have served our country in the performance of their duties, but more so for what our veterans hopefully symbolize and embody for a nation so desperate for greater unity and collaboration: the ideal of personal sacrifice for a larger good, the concept of community joined together for a meaningful purpose, and the display of courage in the face of hardship. Our nation needs this now more than ever.

John Woodward, professor of the practice of international relations, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, and director of the Division of Military Education, Boston University

US Army Corps of Engineers, US Army Reserves, and Pennsylvania National Guard, 1979-1990. Rank: First Lieutenant

What Veterans Day means to me

Thinking about the meaning of Veterans Day takes me back to my childhood growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania in the 1960s and 1970s. I remember my father and my three uncles sharing stories at family gatherings. All of them were combat veterans of World War II. It wasn't until many years later, after I became a peacetime soldier and experienced Army life firsthand, that I could begin to grasp the extent of their wartime sacrifices that made them the "Greatest Generation."

Veterans Day makes me remember that my own Army service prepared me well for my subsequent career in CIA operations-not because of any Army-imparted commando or paramilitary skills, but rather because the Army taught me how to roll with the punches, find humor in bad situations, and value being part of a team.

Now as the director of BU's Division of Military Education, overseeing ROTC, I help prepare approximately 250 students from 16 different universities and colleges to commission as officers in the United States Armed Services. They are about to embark on a great responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that they are ready to meet that challenge, knowing that one day they will be veterans like me.

Carlo Durante, chief engineer, College of Communication, retired

US Marine Corps, 1965-1967. Rank: Corporal

What Veterans Day means to me

Veterans Day is an incredibly special day for me because it's a day to recognize my service in Vietnam. As most people living during that time know, we were not welcomed home with open arms. This day is a recognition of the sacrifices I made for our country's continued freedom.

It's a day to remember all that we have given to protect our country as well as a day to honor the lives of my brothers and sisters who died in the line of duty. When I reflect back on my time with my fellow combat veterans, not only do I remember the hard times, I remember the camaraderie and the brotherhood. Unfortunately, I did not serve directly with women in Vietnam, but their service and dedication were invaluable, and I will forever be grateful for them.

To my fellow veterans, I know what you have done for our country, and it will never be forgotten by me.

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"What Veterans Day Means to Me": BU Veterans and Active Soldiers Reflect

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