Veteran’s Day Message

An email message sent to the campus community on November 11, 2024:

Dear Assumption Community,

Last week, I had the privilege of joining Secretary Jon Santiago of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services; Major General (Ret.) Bob Catanalotti ’80 HD ’15, member of our Assumption Board of Trustees; Associate Professor Gary Senecal; and members of our community to commemorate Veterans Day. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by our veterans and active-duty service members—a debt of gratitude we can only hope to honor, never fully repay.

In my remarks, I emphasized that there are no words that can truly capture the depth of what our veterans have given. Many have sacrificed not only their time and well-being but sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, all in defense of ideals that bind us as a nation. Veterans Day, which began with the armistice ending World War I, was born of the hope that peace might be enduring. Yet, as history has shown, ideals worth cherishing require defending, and so we remain indebted to those who have shouldered that responsibility.

At Assumption, where our mission is the pursuit of truth in the company of friends, we take pride in being recognized as one of the nation’s top military-friendly campuses. Veterans exemplify a friendship to our nation that, as Cicero and Aristotle describe, expects nothing in return—a friendship that is self-giving. Those who serve and their families have given more than we can repay, and we are forever grateful.

To our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families: We are grateful for your service and for the sacrifices you have made for us all. While our words may be inadequate, our gratitude remains sincere and enduring. Thank you for all you have done to protect and uphold the values we hold dear.

With deepest respect and appreciation,

Greg Weiner, Ph.D.

President