Northeastern Veterans Memorial Dedication
On November 11, 2006, veterans, families, alumni and guests gathered on a bright, temperate and sunny Veterans day in Boston for the dedication of the Northeastern University Veterans Memorial.
The proceedings began with a Remembrance Ceremony at 1100 in the Northeastern University Alumni Center during which the 278 names of alumni who died in combat from World War I through Iraqi operations were read. Candles were lit in their honor. The Ceremony was planned and carried out by members of the ROTC Alumni Society who joined with other Alumni in the reading of the names.
The Remembrance Ceremony was followed by a lunch in the Faculty Dining Room provided by the NU Alumni Association.
At 1400, the Veterans Memorial Dedication took place at the Memorial. Dr. Joseph Aoun, the University President, Vice Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, former Ambassador Richard Egan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Neil Finnegan and others, the raising and lowering of the National and University colors by ROTC cadets to half-staff accompanied by a moving rendition of echo Taps.
Martial music was provided by the superb Air National Guard Band of the Northeast provided music for the event, which was very well-attended by over 300 people, including members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
A singular honor was accorded the event by the attendance of Russell Buchanan, a Navy veteran of World War I who was also an Army veteran of World War II. At 106 Mr. Buchanan was still-active enough to be with us, but sadly it was his last roll call, as he passed away about a month later.
Of the greatest satisfaction to veterans attending were the comments of the University President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who both emphasized the continuing support of the University to the patriotic values of military service and their pride in the fact that approximately 4,000 officers have been commissioned into the U.S. Army through its ROTC program.
The Veterans Memorial is a remarkable monument, a plaza and landscaping were complete in every detail.
Alumni Attending
The ROTC Alumni were able to attend the ceremonies on Veterans Day.
John A. Luongo, '48
David Pushner, '55
Neal Finnegan, '61
Bob DiCenso, '62
William Durkee, '62
Chris Tragakis, '62
BG Dick Mallion, '62
Bill Zollo, '63
Jason Sokolov, '63
Dick Power, '63
Dave Sawyer, '63
John Xenakis, '63
Steve Brainard, '64
Greg Cahill, '64
Randy Craig, '64
Richard M Heffernon, '64
Dennis Christo, '65
Stephanie Kalen Canby, daughter of John Kalen, '65
Kevin Upton, '65
Don Thieme, '67
Dave Hurwitz, '67
Bill Pearse, '67
Dave Potter, '66
Steve Andrews, '68
Brian Sullivan, '68
Bill Maloney, '68
Steve Guttell' '69
John Dalelio, '69
Jack Madden, '73
Rich Tambini, '73
Marshall Stern, '73
Joe Cooper, '75
Tom Gabrielle, '86
Mary Moore, '89