Last Friday, Victor Vescovo ‘84 gave a brief speech to the upper school student body outlining ten ways to recognize and appreciate veterans. His presence on campus, though rare for the majority of the student body, is appreciated twice a year for Michelle Santosuosso’s special operations class. Santosuosso also sponsors the Armed Forces Club, which brings in veterans throughout the year to speak to its members, as well as putting up U.S. flags around campus every year to celebrate Veterans Day.
The flags, which line walkways throughout the school, remind students of the sacrifice made by veterans.
“Like the French Revolution, that’s when they got their three-color flag. It’s just very visual, it does something with nationalism, patriotism,” Santosuosso said. “Having them on campus where you can see them on carpool, you can see them walking to lunch, it’s just that visual reminder of men and women who have chosen to sacrifice their lives for this country.”
Veterans Day celebrates veterans who put their lives on hold to serve their country, often facing significant risks in the process. Santosuosso also has a personal connection to the holiday: her brother is a former Navy SEAL, part of the Navy’s primary special operations force.
“I think we do a good job in this country of recognizing veterans. It’s a different holiday than Memorial Day, which is for those who we’ve lost,” Santosuosso said. “Especially since we are just civilians, we don’t make that decision, to serve, and there’s no judgment of that. But just to recognize those who don’t finish college, don’t get married, to serve the country. We do a good job of appreciating.”
Vescovo’s speech not only highlighted the importance of recognizing veterans but also provided students with practical ways to both recognize and show respect to veterans in everyday life. For him, the speech was difficult to write, as veterans often aren’t ostentatious or showy in nature.
“He was slightly nervous about it, which is cool coming from someone who has accomplished so much. I thought that was really special,” Santosuosso said. “I appreciate how he presented it and how he looked at the history of it. He encapsulated it perfectly.”