Community, support and social outreach took center stage at a Veterans Day celebration at Merrimack College on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
“For two decades, our nation has been engaged in conflicts that have tested our resolve and challenged our principles,” Dave Fielding M’25, a student veteran currently pursuing a master’s degree at Merrimack in health promotion and management, said at the start of the program. “Yet, time and again, our veterans have risen to the occasion, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity and unwavering commitment to the ideals that define America.”
The event, organized by the Warriors for Warriors student group and held on O’Brien Plaza, featured speakers from area veterans organizations, including Scott Hyder, founder of the Hidden Battles Foundation.
“Veterans Day is about being a part of a community,” he said. “When veterans get out of the military, they lose task and purpose. They don’t know where they belong…(but) there are tons of you out there, and you have to find and embrace each other. Understand that through community healing, you’re going to be alright.”
Merrimack College was founded in 1947 in response to the needs of veterans returning home from World War II. Today, 98 veterans are currently enrolled at Merrimack and each one was honored with an American flag placed around O’Brien Plaza during the event.
In addition to the event, Warriors for Warriors officially kicked off its second annual veterans coat drive. Donation bins will be set up around campus and donated coats will go to Veterans Northeast Outreach Center.
“Warriors for Warriors is deeply honored to receive such tremendous support from the Merrimack College community,” said Bryan Strange ’25, the group’s founder and president.
Bill Kelly, executive director of Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, told attendees that donations are more than just a warm coat for those in need.
“Each interaction is an opportunity to engage with veterans, to let them know there is an entire community looking to help them,” he said.
