Honoring Veterans Day
November 10, 2023
To the Stony Brook University Community,
On Saturday, November 11, our nation will commemorate Veterans Day in honor of veterans who have served and sacrificed for the United States. To the veterans and active duty and reserve military personnel across our campus community, thank you. The integrity of a university like Stony Brook depends on its encouragement of creativity and freedom of thought. And we are grateful for the sacrifices of all veterans, which have secured these liberties across our country.
At Stony Brook, we are committed to advocating for our veterans. Earlier this week, the university held a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring the many veterans in our community, which includes a large number of students who have served. I wanted to take this moment to thank the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, which continues to be such an incredible partner in ensuring that our veterans, service members and their dependents have the tools to thrive academically and beyond. Our campus has also been the proud home of the Long Island State Veterans Home for over thirty years. In addition to caring for veterans and guiding their families through short-term rehabilitation, adult day health care, and skilled nursing, Stony Brook is a best practices site for research that will positively impact the quality of life of veterans both today and in the future.
This Veterans Day, I am proud of so many wonderful contributions by and for veterans on campus. Last month, our Veteran Student Organization hosted the annual Tent City overnight camping and food drive at the Staller Steps to raise awareness for homeless veterans on Long Island. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services’ Vets-4-Vets Peer Sponsorship Program is ongoing and provides mentorship and guidance for academic success. With the holidays approaching, the members of the SALUTE National Honor Society will be volunteering at the Long Island State Veterans Home's annual “Vet Mart” to support gift giving for the Home’s residents.
My father was a JAG officer in the U.S. Air Force. Growing up, I spent time with him on the base while he did his reserve service. I was consistently impressed with the pride and sense of duty exhibited by the men and women who were serving their country. These qualities are essential in sustaining any strong community. To all our veterans, thank you for your service. As November marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, we also recognize the families, loved ones, friends and caregivers whose love and support remain critical to those who serve our country. The Stony Brook community is deeply grateful for your sacrifices.
With gratitude,
Maurie McInnis
President