Office of Military and Veteran Student Services Honors Stony Brook Veterans

Stony Brook University is home to many heroes and patriots and has long been a proud supporter of the U.S. military and those who serve.

More than 150 student veterans attend classes on our campus each day alongside faculty and staff who have served in our nation's military. At the Long Island State Veterans Home, dedicated professionals care for hundreds of veterans, spouses, widows and Gold Star parents throughout our community. Among the SBU community are also Gold Star families who carry the immeasurable weight of having lost a loved one in service to our country.

On May 21, the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services at Stony Brook continued the annual tradition of kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who have given their lives serving the country. The event took place at the main entrance of the university.

Jane York '19, coordinator of Military and Student Veteran Services at Stony Brook and a U.S. Navy veteran, led the ceremony.

"Memorial Day is one of our nation's most meaningful observances, and a time to pause, reflect and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country and the freedoms we hold dear," said York. "Please join me in honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation."

Following York's tribute, Stony Brook student and New York Army National Guard Sergeant Harrison Zember led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

York cited the history of Memorial Day, dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War and rooted in a heartfelt desire to honor those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

"Today, that tradition carries profound meaning," she said. "At a time when our world continues to face conflict and uncertainty, Memorial Day reminds us that the freedoms and stability we often take for granted were secured through extraordinary sacrifice. Today, as Americans have done for generations, we stand united in remembrance of those who laid down their lives for our nation. Freedom is never free. Its cost has been borne by our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbors."

Stony Brook student and New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Colleen Bonamico then presented the wreath before the ceremony concluded with a moment of silence.

Stony Brook's relationship with veterans extends to the Long Island State Veterans Home, where nearly 400 veterans and family members are cared for daily. It is a major teaching affiliate of Stony Brook Medicine that is housed on the Stony Brook campus, and continues to be one of the only nursing homes in the country that is fully integrated into the health and educational mission of a major teaching and research university. This affiliation enables the Home to offer Long Island's veterans access to the New York metropolitan region's best healthcare professionals and most advanced medical technology.

"Each of us owes a profound debt of gratitude to these courageous individuals," said York. "While we can never fully repay that debt, we can honor their legacy by remembering their stories, cherishing their sacrifices, and ensuring that their courage is never forgotten. We mourn their loss, but above all, we celebrate their lives, their service, and the legacy they leave behind."

- Robert Emproto