Atlantic Cape Recognizes and Honors Those Who Have Served and Sacrificed During Veterans Day Observance

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College held a Veterans Day observance ceremony in the Student Center lobby (G Building) on the Mays Landing campus on November 9 to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice our military veterans have selflessly given with their sweat, blood, tears and, for many, their lives over America’s 247-year history to ensure that we live free each day in peace, safety and security.

The event, which was presented by the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office, commenced with those in attendance rising and being treated to a rousing rendition of America’s national anthem by Rashawn Martin, Atlantic Cape’s Director of Student Support Services. Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Nolan Wilson then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Freshman SGA Senator Michael Heston read the poem “Home of the Brave” by Roger Robicheau.

Atlantic Cape Financial Aid Assistant Director Dominic Tullio was the event emcee and he acknowledged the veterans whose photos were on display in the Student Center lobby by reading their names, some of which are current Atlantic Cape staff and faculty, alumni and their beloved family members.

Current Ventnor resident and United States Army Veteran Sergeant Richard Austin, who served for 21 years from 1980 through 2000, attended the ceremony with his wife. They surprised their daughter, Tina, who is currently a sophomore Liberal Arts and Sociology major at Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus, with their appearance. Sgt. Austin forever understands the importance of remembering our fallen vets.

“It’s always important to honor the veterans. You know, a lot of them passed during the war. I was blessed that I didn’t make it to the war because my artillery unit stayed in Virginia,” Austin said.

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 marking November 11 as a national day of observation where all government buildings would proudly display the American flag while schools and businesses would hold appropriate ceremonies with all peoples of the country. Then, on May 13, 1938, November 11 was legally declared Armistice Day as the day to honor those fallen war veterans. In 1954, at the behest of veteran’s service organizations nationwide, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day to properly recognize fallen American veterans of all wars.

View a photo gallery of this event here on Flickr.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.