Veterans Day at Essex County College

ECC Color Guard raising the Amerian Flag

Dr. Augustine A. Boakye with some of the College’s veterans

ECC student and U.S. Air Force veteran Arianna Rupprecht

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Veterans Day 2024 was observed at Essex County College on Monday, November 11, with the traditional raising of Old Glory at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and West Market Street. The ceremony takes place at 11a.m., the time in 1918 that the agreement ending World War I took effect.

As students, faculty and staff looked on, the College’s Color Guard raised the flag. Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition of the National Anthem, performed at the 1991 Super Bowl, followed.

“Today is a special day when we thank all our veterans, especially those who fought on our behalf. Remember their ultimate sacrifice and remember their family members. We salute everyone here at our College in uniform. It’s important for us to salute all our veterans,” said ECC’s President, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye.

Dr. Keith Kirkland, Dean of Student Affairs and a U.S. Army veteran, said, “Let’s thank all who have served. They stood against the wall so we can have our freedom.”

Two ECC veteran students also spoke at the ceremony. U.S. Air Force veteran Arianna Rupprecht, is a Business Administration major who plans a career in Supply Chain Management following graduation. Paul Battaglini is a Finance major in the U.S. Naval Reserves with three deployments.     

Near the end of the ceremony, Shawn Yearwood, advisor/mentor in the Business Division who organized the event, stated, “We will always remember our fallen comrades.” His remarks were followed by a recording of Taps and a moment of silence.

All veterans who attended the ceremony were presented with military service pins. Dr. Boakye was presented an honorary service pin.