Lewis University Dedicates Veterans Plaza

Submitted by Lewis University

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The sun shone brightly with wind billowing flags as Lewis University dedicated its Veterans Plaza on Tuesday, March 29 on its campus in Romeoville.

The new plaza features seven flags, including the U.S. Flag and flags of the State of Illinois, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Located on De La Salle Drive South on the Lewis campus, just north of Mother Teresa Hall, the plaza also features a plaque honoring those who served in World War II. The plaque formerly had been installed in another area of campus, but students requested that it be given more attention

“Students thought the existing plaque honoring Lewis students and alumni that served in the military during World War II should be displayed more prominently,” explained Brother James Gaffney, FSC, president of Lewis University, during the ceremony. “Now, we have this plaza to honor all U.S. veterans and especially those men and women from Lewis University who served at any time in defense of their nation and in the promotion of global peace,” he said.

Father Dan Torson, CPPS, blessed the plaza along with the plaque.

“We bless this Veterans Plaza so that we remember those that have faithfully served our country, those currently entrusted to uphold our protection, and those who train for future service,” he said. The U.S. Air Force veteran, who is university chaplain and a professor of theology, sprinkled the plaza with Holy Water after reading a Psalm from the Bible.

“Lewis University’s support of veterans, in many ways like this plaza, led to the University being named the Best for Vets among Colleges and Universities in Illinois and second among private universities in the nation,” stated Roman Ortega, director of Lewis University Veterans Affairs and Recruitment.

During the program, he pointed to the Veterans Plaza as a small example of the many ways in which the University supports the 500 veterans that enroll in Lewis University each year.

Lewis University Army and Air Force ROTC students provided a color guard for the ceremony. The Lewis University Chamber Choir provided harmony for the national anthem.