ESU to Host Veterans Day Celebration Thursday, November 9

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Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on November 6, 2017, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration Thursday, November 9 at 2 p.m. to recognize local veterans, servicemen and servicewomen in all branches of the armed services. The celebration will be in Stroud Hall, Room 113. In addition, there will be a military observance adjacent to the “Julia” statue at the front campus circle. Julia was originally acquired by East Stroudsburg State Normal School alumni in 1919 to commemorate and honor the school’s servicemen and women who had died in World War I.

The keynote speaker for this event is Corporal Russell Best, a United States Marine Corps Veteran who was deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the U.S.S. Nassau. During this time Best was involved in Operation Silver Wake, a mission to secure the embassy in Tirana, Albania, and evacuate American citizens, non-combatants, and third-party nationals. Following Operation Silver Wake the U.S.S. Nassau and the 26th MEU were immediately sent to the coast of Kinshasa, Zaire. Upon arriving the 26th MEU assumed the main effort of Operation Guardian Retrieval. Best, as part of the Beach Landing team, again conducted evacuation operations of American citizens. Best was also part of Operation Cooperative Osprey where he trained with NATO partner soldiers from 16 allied nations to improve interoperability.

Best is very proud of his service as well as the legacy of his family in the military. He is the son of a Vietnam veteran and father of an active duty soldier. His father was a longtime member of the American Legion and served as a N.J. State Leader in the organization. Best is currently continuing the legacy of serving fellow veterans in a leadership role with Team Red, White and Blue. He is passionate about Team Red, White and Blue’s mission of enriching the lives of veterans.

Highlights of the celebration will include a wreath-laying ceremony with a three-volley salute. The celebration is open to the general public and campus community at no cost.

A reception will be held following the program in the foyer of Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall.

For more information, contact June Pepe in the Student Enrollment Center at (570) 422-2812 or at veterans@esu.edu.