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    NY National Guard Senior Leader Speaks with ROTC Cadets for Veterans Day

    NY National Guard Senior Leader Speaks with ROTC Cadets for Veterans Day

    Photo By Lt. Col. Roberta Comerford | New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler and Cornell University...... read more read more

    ITHACA, NY, UNITED STATES

    11.11.2021

    Story by Lt. Col. Roberta Comerford 

    New York National Guard

    ITHACA, N.Y. – New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler, commander of the 53rd Troop Command, joined with Cornell University to honor veterans on the college campus here for Veterans Day, November 11, 2021.

    Cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Corps helped mark the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dedication in the nation’s capital by placing a wreath and placing a guard of honor at the university veterans memorial flagpole.

    Biehler joined University Provost Michael Kotlikoff at the flagpole for a remembrance of veteran alumni. Following the wreath presentation, the Bell Tower at the memorial site played Cornell Chimes, along with a unique musical tribute to service members by playing the songs for each branch of service, ending with the National Anthem.

    After the beautiful musical tribute, the group conducted a walking tour of the college memorials and key locations on campus, including the ROTC building.

    Cornell President Martha Pollack and Biehler then joined ROTC cadets for a remembrance service led by Debra Howell, chair of the Cornell Veterans Colleague Network Group. Howell, a veteran herself, thanked veterans for their service and sharing the history of what was originally Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, renamed to Veterans Day in 1954.

    “While we intentionally pause to recognize veterans today, it is important to remember that veterans are defending us and need our support 365 days a year,” Howell said.

    At 11:11 a.m., Jowell paused her remarks as the Cornell Chimes tolled a 21-bell salute to mark a century of honor, duty, respect, and reverence with moments of silence.

    Howell introduced Biehler who thanked veterans and future military leaders.

    Biehler thanked everyone and shared the role of the Army and how the mission has evolved over the past 40 years of his military career.

    The role of the military since 9/11, Biehler said, “has become far more for preventive, deterrence and preemptive activities.”

    Biehler reflected that his own career has followed that path, from homeland security efforts following 9/11 to combat operations overseas and the most recent pandemic response efforts across the state, assisting local communities in their COVID-19 response.

    “20 years ago the National Guard began the transformation from being a Strategic Reserve force for our nation’s defense to an Operational Reserve,” he said. “This essentially made the National Guard a reserve force that is called upon regularly.”

    Biehler closed with addressing the ROTC cadets and midshipmen and women directly.

    “For our cadets and midshipmen and women,” he said, “you can prepare for your future in the military by training as our nation asks of you: to win our nation’s wars.”

    “Your primary focus now is to be the best Soldier or Sailor you can be, and a very good leader to your Soldiers and Sailors under you command,” Biehler said.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.11.2021
    Date Posted: 11.17.2021 11:32
    Story ID: 409504
    Location: ITHACA, NY, US

    Web Views: 107
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN