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Westminster College to Host Veterans Day Ceremony, Nov. 9

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Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2015

Westminster College will host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:40 a.m.November 9 in Orr Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. 

The ceremony includes special remarks by Mark Gleeson ’49, who will pay tribute to men and women who have served in the Air Force, National Guard, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Merchant Marine. During the ceremony, Mr. Gleeson will also assist in the dedication of his most recent donation to the College; a replica of the SS Westminster Victory, a World War II cargo ship named for The College.

After graduating from Ford City High School, Gleeson joined the Maritime Service in June of 1945 and served until April of 1946. He became active in the American Merchant Marine Veterans in 1989 and was vice chairman of a committee that successfully supported federal legislation to recognize merchant seamen for their wartime service. He published a chronicle of involvement in the 10-year legislative effort. 

The ceremony is coordinated by Dr. Scott Mackenzie, MAJ (RET) USAR and professor of theatre, as well as Reverend James Mohr, College chaplain. The program will feature musical performances by the Westminster College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. R. Tad Greig, and the Westminster College Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Samuel Barbara. 

A book-signing of Gleeson’s “The Life and Times of the SS Westminster Victory” and a reception will directly follow the ceremony. 

Registrations for the reception and book signing are due by Monday, November 2. Contact Kara Montgomery, director of alumni relations, at montgokh@westminster.edu or (724) 946-7363 for more information or to register.