Inaugural King’s College SGA Veterans Day Commemoration Draws More Than 175 Attendees

More than 175 people gathered at King’s College on Nov. 11 for Student Government's inaugural Veterans Day commemoration, an emotional tribute to veterans from the local community and the College.

Held at the Learning Staircase and Lower Campus Center Courtyard, the ceremony brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and to thank them for their service.

Student Government recognized and presented plaques to honor Col. Douglas A. Fisher of the U.S. Army Reserve, whose son, Hayden Fisher, is a third-year student at King’s, and Staff Sgt. Paul Lindenmuth, a King’s criminal justice professor who served in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group.

Dr. Sean Blinn, an assistant professor of criminal justice and sociology and a retired first lieutenant in the Pennsylvania National Guard, spoke during the ceremony about his service and how students can serve selflessly in the world.

“Students, this part is for you. You don’t need a uniform to selflessly serve,” Blinn said. “Whatever you go on to do, someone is going to depend on you. You’ll have a chance to use what you learn for somebody else’s good. Take advantage of that opportunity — never let it pass you by.”

The ceremony featured an invocation by the Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D., president of King’s College, and a color guard presentation by the King’s College Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Cantores Christi Regis sang the national anthem and “Amazing Grace.” Father Brogan C. Ryan, C.S.C., director of campus ministry and college chaplain at King’s College, delivered the benediction.

“We wanted our first Veterans Day commemoration to give students a chance to thank the veterans who are part of our campus and our local community. Seeing more than 175 people come together to honor them was moving, and I’m grateful we could share that moment with them,” said Sophia Hahn, a fourth-year student and president of the Student Government Association executive board, who served as master of ceremonies.

Texas Roadhouse, Jersey Mike’s, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Miller’s Alehouse, Outback Steakhouse, The Stegmaier, Pepsi, and La Tolteca contributed food for attendees.