November 11, 2024
Dear members of the Connecticut College community,
Today is Veterans Day, the annual federal holiday to honor those who served in the U.S. military. I invite each of us to take a moment to reflect on their commitment to service, which has helped to shape our country's history and safeguard the freedoms we hold dear. In this spirit, let us engage in meaningful ways — through reflection, gratitude or community service — to express our appreciation and support for those who have served.
Conn has a tradition of supporting those who served in the military. The College’s first graduating class — in 1919 — was involved in the first national observance of the holiday. We also have a number of staff, faculty, students and alumni who are veterans. And given our proximity to the Naval Submarine Base and U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the Conn community has an even more direct relationship to this kind of service.
To mark Veterans Day, we normally have a flag-raising ceremony in the morning at the main entrance to campus, but this year the holiday coincides with one of our Fall Open Houses, which draw hundreds of prospective students and their families through the main entrance, so it was decided not to have the flag-raising ceremony to avoid any traffic safety issues.
Again, I invite each of us to reflect on the importance of Veterans Day, which not only honors those who have served but also reminds us of the values they uphold: courage, dedication and resilience. To those in our community who have been in the military, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you.
Sincerely,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President