November 11, 2005

Each year, we honor all U.S. veterans on this date. Originally, the day commemorated the Armistice signed on Nov. 11, 1918, which ended hostilities between the Allied forces and the Germans in World War I. Last week, I wrote about two former Hoyas who have pursued distinguished careers in the military. Today, our prayers go with the younger generation of Hoyas who have followed in their footsteps, including such former team captains as Marine 1st Lieutenant Dave Stapleton '95 (soccer) and Navy pilot Brant Gresham '03 (lacrosse).

We recall that Ignatius Loyola was a soldier in the service of Spain before he formed his company of soldiers in service to Christ. We remember with gratitude the long blue and gray line of Hoya athletes who served their country and gave their lives for our freedoms. Three of our highest honors in athletics are named after such WWII heroes. In the awarding of our basketball MVP each year, we honor basketball captain Francis "Reds" Daly, who died at Iwo Jima. We remember Al Blozis of football and track fame, who perished at the Battle of the Bulge, in the awarding of our football MVP. And the highest honor we award -- the scholar-athlete trophy -- is named for basketball and football player Robert Duffey who died in France during the Second World War.

There are many other Hoyas who made this supreme sacrifice. Their spirit is remembered in various campus tributes to their memory, including Lauinger Library, named for Vietnam war hero Joe Lauinger '67 and which honors all fallen servicemen.

So, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we salute these faithful Hoyas who have served our nation with great distinction.