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The national anthem and the official hymns of the five branches of armed forces echoed throughout the Peter Bent Brigham Rotunda on Tuesday as BWHers gathered for the annual Veterans Day celebration.
“I look forward to this special event every year because it’s a way for us to pause and remember those who have protected our freedom over the years,” said Chief Medical Officer Andy Whittemore, MD, a U.S. Navy veteran. “We think of those who have served, those who are currently serving and especially those who are never going to come back.”
There are between 250 and 300 BWH employees who are veterans or are currently in the service. “There are as many reasons to join the service as there are individuals who join,” said Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking and retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. “People join for historic, economic, patriotic and romantic reasons.”
During the service, BWH veterans of each branch detailed the songs: Larry Nialetz for the Army; Richard Wong for the Coast Guard; Donaghue for the Marines; Ronni Levine for the Navy; and Jim Gosnell for the Air Force.
Veterans and their colleagues enjoyed a giant cake in honor of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday, which falls on Nov. 10.