RWU honors veterans with memorial
Fallen alumnus remembered with family present
Julia Weiss
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Features
Approximately 300 people gathered in front of the admissions building at Roger Williams University on November 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. The University hosted a commemorative ceremony for 2nd Lt. Joseph Fortin, an alumnus of Cramer's Saber Battalion ROTC program and a 2008 Roger Williams graduate who died in action on Aug. 23, 2009 while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division in Muhallah, Iraq.
Both the American flag and the Roger Williams University flag were waving at half-staff, blowing wildly in the cold wind, as the service started on Veteran's Day. A few rows of chairs were spread out in front of the grass, while everybody else stood in a half circle behind them. Many students, alumni and staff were in their militia uniforms paying their respects to the veterans and current men and women overseas today.
Kenneth T. Osborne, Dean of the Roger Williams University ROTC program, opened the ceremony by welcoming Fortin's family, the entire Roger Williams community and University President Dr. Roy J. Nirschel.
"This is not a day to debate foreign policy, but to recognize veterans," said President Nirschel. "We would not be here today without their courage and their leadership. I believe that everyday should be Veteran's Day."
President Nirschel spoke of his own parents and grandparents, who have served their country, and thanked those who also served in the armed forces, extending his deepest sympathy to individuals who have lost their friends and family in the service.
2nd Lt. Nicholas Pelletier, a 2009 RWU and ROTC alumni, and 1st Lt. Sam Albahari, a 2008 RWU and ROTC alumni, both spoke on behalf of their friend.
"There are no words to describe the pain that runs through us," said Lt. Albahari. "Joe is within our hearts and minds everyday."
Lt. Albahari proceeded to tell the crowd what a hero his friend Fortin truly is Albahari spoke of how Fortin went into battle without fear or indecision as well as Fortin's many accomplishments in Iraq, which includes doubling the amount of drinking water and electricity, saving the lives of four American soldiers, and supplying safety and security to the region he was stationed in.
Both the American flag and the Roger Williams University flag were waving at half-staff, blowing wildly in the cold wind, as the service started on Veteran's Day. A few rows of chairs were spread out in front of the grass, while everybody else stood in a half circle behind them. Many students, alumni and staff were in their militia uniforms paying their respects to the veterans and current men and women overseas today.
Kenneth T. Osborne, Dean of the Roger Williams University ROTC program, opened the ceremony by welcoming Fortin's family, the entire Roger Williams community and University President Dr. Roy J. Nirschel.
"This is not a day to debate foreign policy, but to recognize veterans," said President Nirschel. "We would not be here today without their courage and their leadership. I believe that everyday should be Veteran's Day."
President Nirschel spoke of his own parents and grandparents, who have served their country, and thanked those who also served in the armed forces, extending his deepest sympathy to individuals who have lost their friends and family in the service.
2nd Lt. Nicholas Pelletier, a 2009 RWU and ROTC alumni, and 1st Lt. Sam Albahari, a 2008 RWU and ROTC alumni, both spoke on behalf of their friend.
"There are no words to describe the pain that runs through us," said Lt. Albahari. "Joe is within our hearts and minds everyday."
Lt. Albahari proceeded to tell the crowd what a hero his friend Fortin truly is Albahari spoke of how Fortin went into battle without fear or indecision as well as Fortin's many accomplishments in Iraq, which includes doubling the amount of drinking water and electricity, saving the lives of four American soldiers, and supplying safety and security to the region he was stationed in.
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