On November 7, the La Salle Alumni Association honored all members of the La Salle community, including alumni and faculty, who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces at their Veterans Day Assembly.
The assembly began with The United State Marine Corps Color Guard presentation and a rousing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner†by the La Salle Band. During the assembly, the Band, Choir and String Ensemble performed a number of patriotic tunes including a medley of hymns for each branch of the military. A video tribute to La Salle’s servicemen and women, including an In Memoriam piece to honor those who have “given the last full measure†was shown during the assembly. La Salle has 240 known alumni veterans, five of whom were killed in action or in military training. Fourteen alumni and faculty members who are currently serving or have served in the military were honored.
The Honorable Nick Thompson, of the class of 1975, who recently retired as Captain in the United States Army Reserve, gave a moving keynote address. Thompson served over 20 years as an Army Reserve Paratrooper, Psychological Operations Specialist and Intelligence Analyst. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service during the Invasion of Iran. Thompson is a Superior Court Judge in Southern California.
Veterans Day is an official United States holiday to honor all people who served in armed service. The date coincides with Armistice Day, celebrated worldwide, to commemorate the end of World War I.
Not to be confused with Memorial Day, when those who lost their lives in service are remembered, Veterans Day honors people who have served in the United States Armed Forces, also known as the veterans.
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