National wreath-laying event honors Marianists, UD veterans

Twenty-four Marianist veterans are among those honored today as UD participates in its first Wreaths Across America Day.

A gift from an anonymous donor is allowing UD’s Military and Veteran Programs and Services office to lay wreaths at four locations: the Marianist cemeteries at Mount St. John in Beavercreek, Ohio, and on campus near Serenity Pines; at the Army ROTC Honor Roll at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception; and at the military and veteran center in Zehler Hall. UD will be one of the 3,400 locations that are coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies this weekend with Arlington National Cemetery.

Sam Surowitz, director of military and veteran programs and services, said the wreath-laying honors the memory and service of the Marianists and UD-affiliated alumni. It also demonstrates to active service members and veterans on campus that their contributions are valued.

“This signifies our commitment to honoring the connection between our Marianist community and service,” Surowitz said. “Marianists are not normally thought of as fighters, but they are indeed people who are not only devout in their faith but also fight for what they believe in and for the common good.”

Of the 24 known veterans buried on campus or at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, some served as chaplains, while others served before becoming Marianists or were drafted, Surowitz said.

“These Marianists were not just faithful to God; they were faithful to the nation and served in defense of our Constitution and for a free world.”

“These Marianists were not just faithful to God; they were faithful to the nation and served in defense of our Constitution and for a free world,” he said.

The UD ROTC program celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017 — that’s more than 100 years of helping train responsible, ethical and conscientious service members to serve the nation, Surowitz said. The wreath-laying is a visual recognition of that history. “By participating, we are linked to something far larger than ourselves,” he said.