Rare that the weather doesn’t cooperate – a freak early-November storm featuring high winds and blowing snow forced the proceedings indoors.

But the Auditorium setting didn’t dampen the spirits of more than two dozen military veterans who turned out for Leo’s annual Veterans Memorial Observance on Monday, November 10.

The event customarily takes place on the Friday preceding Veterans Day, which is November 11. But Leo was host to a Big Shoulders-sponsored Professional Development Day for teachers from various Big Shoulders schools on Friday, November 7, which gave Leo’s students a day off. 

Because the Observance serves as an impromptu history lesson, student participation is essential. Thus it was moved to Monday so Leo’s students could take part.

“Given our rich military history, this is one of the most significant events we have,” School President Dan McGrath said. “It means a lot to the Veterans, and it’s our honor to recognize them.”

Theology Dept. Chair Lydia Tabernacki opened the program with a prayer. Senior Zyaire Campbell served as MC, greeting the Vets and providing a summary of Leo’s military tradition, including the story of Marine Corporal John P. Fardy, Leo’s only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, whose heroism at the Battle for Okinawa in May of 1945 cost him his life but prevented mass casualties within his platoon.

A color guard from Air Force Academy High School presented the colors. The world-renowned Leo Choir led the singing of the National Anthem. Senior Drake Weaver read the names of the 75 Leo grads who gave their lives in service to their country and are memorialized on the monument in the Fardy Memorial Courtyard. 

Steve White ‘65, killed in action in Vietnam, is one of those names. His brother Bill White ‘64 was one of the wreath presenters, joining Jim Lewandowski, a Vietnam veteran from the Class of ‘67. 

Army Lt. Col. Arthurine Johns, a highly decorated veteran who saw action in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, was the featured speaker. Also the mother of Leo graduate Korey Roddy, Lt. Col. Johns directed her remarks toward the Leo students in attendance, reminding them to take advantage of the opportunities Leo offered because they offer a path to a successful future.

As is the case with every Leo event, the show closed with a rousing rendition of the Leo Fight Song.

‘I don’t think it mattered that we had to move it indoors,” McGrath said. “The important thing is we did it, and everybody involved appreciated it.”