STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Veterans and members of the military joined Wagner College officials, staffers and alumns, District Attorney Michael McMahon and the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group at the 15th Annual Veteran’s Day Recognition Ceremony on the Grymes Hill campus.
The event was hosted by Delta Nu fraternity and staged at the Delta Nu Memorial, located outside the Spiro Sports Center. Wagner alum John Iasparro was master of ceremonies.
Veteran Steve Gross holds a commemorative wreath at the Wagner College Veterans Day Memorial Service 2025. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
Members of the military, and the Curtis High School ROTC Student Color Guard, and the Susan Wagner High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard, at the 15th annual Veteran’s Day Recognition Ceremony. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
Opening remarks were delivered by Jeffrey Doggett, president of Wagner College, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeffrey Doggert, president of Wagner College, addresses the crowd, as John Iasparro looks on. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
The National Anthem was sung by Selina Amargo, Class of ’26, with the invocation offered by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Jaeger of Trinity Lutheran Church.
“God Bless America,” was sung by Al Lambert, Lenore Lambert, Theresa Scott and Jack Furnari of the Tunnel to Towers Community Chorus.
Iasparro addressed the crowd choosing to read from a Dear Annie post that reflected thoughts on Veteran’s Day:
“… Some of our veterans came home to parades. Others came home quietly, carrying memories that do not fit into words. Some never came home at all. But their courage lives on in the people who loved them. Veteran’s Day is not only for those who wore the uniform, though they are our heroes, our protectors, our strength. It is also for the families who served in their own quite way, the spouses who kept the lights on, the parents who waited by the phone, the children who learned patience and pride far too young…So today, let’s make a fuss. Let’s say thank you, not only with flags and parades, but with the way we live oeur lives. With gratitude. With kindness. With compassion. Let’s teach our children that freedom is not free. It is a gift handed down by those who were brave enought to protect it.”
The keynote speaker was Fredrick Williamson, a 1964 Wagner College grad and a Vietnam veteran who received two Silver Stars for “conspicuous gallantry” and “bravery in action,” as well as a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle. The medal is one of oldest U.S. military decorations, originally established as the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolutionary War.
Paul Brown, left, and Fred Williamson, the keynote speaker. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
A LITTLE ABOUT WILLIAMSON
Williamson has maintained strong ties with Wagner College since his graduation.
The Middletown, N.J., native was a three-year football letter winner and captain of the 1963 team, while also competing on the track and field team.
Following graduation, he served a 13-month tour in Vietnam, attaining the rank of captain, Rifle Company.
For more than two decades, Williamson served as a Wagner Board of Trustee member, including time as treasurer and chair of the Athletics Committee.
From 1990 to 1996, he headed the National Alumni Association.
In recognition of his contributions, Williamson received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Wagner in 2011.
From the left, Fred Williamson, veteran and keynote speaker, and friends at the Wagner College Veteran’s Day Memorial Service 2025. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
“My miltary service began by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps ‘Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Program’ during my sophomore year at Wagner College, said Williamson. “The required six-week Boot Camp Summer Orientation sessions in my sophomore and junior years were rigorous, but great preparation for Wagner football. Wagner and the Marine Corps had very positive impacts on my life and both experiences created life-long friendships.”
Veterans and friends. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
MORE ON THE PROGRAM
Eric and John Michaels of The Mighty String Demons performed the “Ashoken Farewell,” on violin, a folk song written by Jay Ungar in 1982, known as the theme for Ken Burns’s documentary series “The Civil War.”
Eric and John Michaels of the Mighty String Demons play “Ashokan Farewell,” a folk song written by Jay Ungar in 1982, known as the theme for Ken Burns’s documentary series “The Civil War.” (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
A moment of silence was offered for members of the military who never came home.
Selina Amargo also sang her rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Preston Chin of the Curtis High School Class of 2027 played TAPS.
Preston Chin of Curtis High School plays TAPS on the trumpet. (Courtesy/Samantha Chilton)Staten Island Advance
The Curtis High School ROTC Student Color Guard was led by Steven Borbely, Lt. Commander, USN, retired, senior Naval Science Instructor.
The Susan Wagner High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard was headed by Master Sgt. Luis Adams, United States Air Force.
The Veterans Day ceremony has become a tradition at Wagner, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and community members for reflection and gratitude.
A light breakfast capped the ceremony.
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