AIC event honors veterans
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| Christina Boltz and Earl Gregory |
SPRINGFIELD--The new AIC Veterans Monument was unveiled at an emotional Veterans' Day celebration, Monday, Nov. 12.
The new monument will honor the more than 850 AIC veterans. In addition, the project includes a flag pole, stone benches, a new tree and landscaping.
The monument, which was donated by Edward Shore, Jr., class of 1955, reads "In grateful recognition of American International College men and women who have served their nation with honor and courage." The project, which began six years ago, is the result of fundraising efforts by the AIC Veterans' Committee.
This year's event was highlighted by the return to campus of R. Bruce Hinckley, class of 1963, as he recounted his experience in a Vietnam POW camp. Hinckley a U.S. Air Force Colonel, spent five and a half years as a prisoner, after his fighter aircraft was shot down by the Viet Cong.
This year's Veterans' Day program also included a Marine Corps Honor Guard and Rifle Unit, a march of AIC Veterans and the reading of the winning essay by AIC freshman Michael Pastercyzk, class of 2011, on the topic of "Freedom is not Free--the Contributions of Veterans."
The college welcomed back more than 100 AIC veterans, including retired professor Art Bertrand, class of 1956; Robert Veiderman, class of 1960; Leonard Gorman, class of 1960; and Edward Borucki, class of 1954.
President Maniaci and Vice President Short presented the John F. Hines ribbon to Alumni Veterans for honorable service in the Armed Forces.
Borucki, a WWII Navy CPO and Pearl Harbor survivor, dedicated the Pearl Harbor Bench.
Earl Gregory, class of 1959, led the gathering in a rendition of God Bless America, and also joined with Christina Boltz, class of 2009, in the singing of the National Anthem. Boltz then delivered a stirring version of Amazing Grace.
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