St. Bonaventure held a Veteran’s Day ceremony in front of the Veterans Memorial at the Reilly Center on Tuesday. Members of the community and Bonaventure faculty, students and alumni all gathered together to honor those who have served our country.
Members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) helped raise a service flag in honor of Alphonso Amico, a U.S. Air Force WWII Veteran and Bona grad, into the sunny, blue sky.
Sister Margaret Carney, St. Bonaventure University president, gave a short speech about her time as a student at Bonaventure, and spoke about her friendship with Alphonso Amico. Amico’s son, Dave Amico, then spoke about his father. He talked about the love his father had for his country.
“To say he was patriotic is an understatement,” Amico said. “His experience in war brought him closer to God.”
As a Franciscan community, it’s easy to appreciate hearing stories such as this one, when hard times strengthen our connection with God. Amico acknowledged the American Flag blowing calmly in the breeze and said his father would certainly be honored to have his flag flown at Bonaventure.
The names of Bonaventure veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and War in Afghanistan were all read out loud, with a bell-ringing following each name.
At the end of the service, Father James Vacco, O.F.M. led the benediction and honored veterans once again. The 20-minute ceremony left a great impact on those who attended.
“It was very moving and they did an exceptional job showing their support and respect for the troops,” said freshman journalism and mass communication major Christina Root. “I think it’s important that college campuses take time to recognize what the troops provide for our country. We are still learning, but many of us have had experiences that allow us to comprehend the significance of military support.”
Kolbee14@bonaventure.edu
