On November 6, the Simmons School of Social Work hosted a hybrid Veterans Day celebration to honor servicemembers past and present, with a keynote address delivered by General Gary M. Brito, the 18th Commanding General of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. In addition to the Simmons University Chapter of Veteran Females United, the event welcomed the Boston University Charles River Battalion Army ROTC and Northeastern University Liberty Battalion Army ROTC, as well as the wider community.
“We gather here today with full hearts, humble minds, and grateful spirits to honor the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. . . . so that we may enjoy the blessings of freedom, security, and peace,” said Sergeant Dante Davis ’25MSN, a Simmons School of Nursing graduate student and U.S. Army Combat Veteran, during his invocation at Simmons’ first annual Veterans Day celebration on November 6.
“In times of great challenge and hardship, these brave souls stood firm, bearing burdens many of us cannot fully understand . . . Whether on distant shores or in the fields and skies, they answer the call to defend our nation, placing the wellbeing of others before themselves,” continued Davis. “Their legacy calls us to live with integrity, service, and purpose.”
Honoring Servicemembers, Past and Present
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen J. Fennessy, Professor of Military Science at Northeastern University, joined Cadet Kent McDougal in leading the POW-MIA (Prisoner of War-Missing in Action) Ceremony. The ceremony involved a collection of symbolic objects (a white tablecloth, red rose, yellow ribbon, salt, inverted glasses and an empty chair) that honored the purity of purpose, hope, mourning, and absence of these servicemembers. “Let us continue to remember our POWs and MIAs,” said Fennessy, and acknowledge “all those now serving our nation.”
Dominique Sherburne ’25MSN, a graduate student, U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and Treasurer of Veteran Females United (Simmons University Chapter), delivered a presentation on the history of Veterans Day in the U.S. Formerly called Armistice Day, the holiday originally honored World War I veterans exclusively. As Sherburne explained, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks organized the first known celebration of Veterans Day in the United States in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947. In 1954, President Eisenhower proclaimed Veterans Day a national holiday.
Sherburne also recounted how the remains of unidentified soldiers from different wars were ultimately placed next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (some were later identified). The military continues to honor these service members with regular vigils.
Service and Simmons: An Integral Partnership
President Lynn Perry Wooten offered welcoming remarks, where she thanked veterans for their service and highlighted the importance of this event that “ brings together service, education, and leadership — qualities that are needed now perhaps more than ever before.”
Wooten also spoke about how the numerous veterans in her own family have influenced her, saying, “From them, I learned about service, democracy, equity, resilience, and the moral arc of courage.”
Likewise, Wooten observed that service members among the Simmons community help make the University “stronger” and “more vibrant.” Fittingly, Simmons veterans often pursue subsequent careers in service, namely library and information science, nursing, and social work.
Massachusetts Senator William Brownsberger (representing the Suffolk and Middlesex districts,) praised Simmons for hosting the event, and highlighted the accomplishments of the keynote speaker. “General Gary M. Brito not only represents the great qualities of every serviceman or servicewoman — integrity, courage, commitment, excellence — but also someone who is a leader in instilling those qualities in those who will go on to serve their country [in the future].”
Robert Santiago, Commissioner of Veterans’ Service for the City of Boston and U.S. Navy veteran, who attended as a representative of the office of Mayor Michelle Wu, acknowledged the significance of Boston vis-à-vis military history, “a city that holds a special place in the story of our nation’s freedom. In this historic city, where the seeds of liberty were first planted almost 250 years ago, we are reminded of the sacrifices made to preserve and protect the values that we hold dear. Boston is a place that knows what the true cost of freedom is.”
Santiago noted that this year’s Veterans Day theme, “A Legacy of Loyalty,” reminds us that veterans’ service “extends beyond battles or deployments. It is a loyalty to your country, your community, and your fellow servicemembers. [And this loyalty continues] even after you take off the uniform. You are not only veterans of our military, you are veterans of life.”
For the Boston Veterans Parade (held on Saturday, November 9), Santiago explained that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu would sign into law a property tax exemption for veterans. This provision is designed to increase affordability and home ownership opportunities for veterans. Mayor Wu would also announce a second installment of the Bridge the Gap Mini-Grant Program, which provides funding to local organizations that support veterans and their families.
On behalf of Mayor Wu, Santiago offered a special proclamation on the occasion of Simmons’ 125th anniversary. “This is an historic moment to celebrate and reaffirm the shared spirit, values, and impact that connects Sharks to each other and to the city of Boston. Therefore, Michelle Wu does hereby proclaim November 6, 2024 to be Simmons University Quasquicentennial Celebration Day in the city of Boston,” he said, bestowing the written proclamation to President Wooten. “Let us honor 125 years of the remarkable trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders of Simmons University.”
Social Workers’ Contributions
General Gary M. Brito, 18th Commanding General of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), hails from Massachusetts and entered active duty in 1987. In the course of his long and decorated career, he has fulfilled several deployments and leadership positions. Brito, currently at the Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Virginia), has two sons serving in the military.
In his keynote address, Brito congratulated Simmons for its remarkable milestone, “125 years of academic excellence. And in one word: Wow.” Brito also personally commended the School of Social Work’s MSW Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families, which will launch in January 2025. “What an awesome program and a unique opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and passion to serve and take care of servicemembers, veterans, and their families,” said Brito.
Reflecting on the symbolism of November 11, Brito said, “This day is also a universal reminder of peace, unity, and remembrance,” and urged civilians to thank their local veterans with a verbal greeting, handshake, or smile.
Brito emphasized the critical importance of supporting veterans. “Here I recognize the valuable role that social workers play in the lives of our veterans. . . . Current students and graduates of the Simmons University School of Social Work advocate for veterans, helping them navigate complex systems, access mental health services, and connect with the community. And I thank you for that.”
Following the keynote address, Gary Bailey, Professor of Practice and Director of the Master of Social Work program at Simmons, offered his acknowledgments. “For my cousins, the military was an opportunity to escape the apartheid of the Jim Crow South . . . today I thank them, and all of you present today.” About the MSW Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families, Bailey noted, “This program is so important — not only for the service members, but their families who serve at the same time, and their communities who serve at the same time.” Social workers are well-equipped to address these complexities. Bailey acknowledged the contributions of his SSW colleagues, Associate Professor of Social Work Abbie Frost, and School of Social Work Professor Johnnie Hamilton-Mason, in making the new program a reality. Bailey also acknowledge Biology Professor Charlie Russell for her continued support of Simmons University’s ROTC students.
Soldiering On
U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Associate Professor of Practice Samuel Odom, who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, declared Veterans Day a time to acknowledge veterans’ selfless service, defense of the Constitution, and personal sacrifices.
“The future is about preserving democracy . . . [and service members protect our liberties] and counter any emerging security threats and challenges . . . both foreign and domestic,” said Odom. He also extolled Simmons’ role in supporting veterans and active servicemembers, from the days of World War I to today. “Simmons leads the way,” he said.
SSW Dean Michael LaSala delivered the closing remarks. He reminisced about family members who served in World War II but struggled with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “You can see the profound need of social work for people who served and people who currently serve,” said LaSala.
“In what appears to be an increasingly divided nation, we are all called to be soldiers,” continued LaSala. “When we are hurt, we must take the time to retreat, heal, and recover. And then, using that meaningful military vernacular, we must soldier on.”