Honoring Our Heroes: A Veterans Day Salute

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- November 10, 2023) This Veterans Day, Empire State University honors our veteran students, alumni, and all those who have served in our community. As the largest-serving, four-year, military-affiliated institution in New York, SUNY Empire is committed to helping veteran and military students achieve their educational goals.  

Read veteran student and ambassador for the veteran community Ronald J. Botelho’s (USA, SFC, Retired) tribute below.  

Dear Veterans, Families, and Fellow Americans, 

As we gather to mark another Veterans Day, our hearts are heavy with gratitude and respect for the countless men and women who have donned the uniform of our armed forces. Today, we stand united in honoring both those who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom, and those who continue to bear the scars of their service. 

To those brave souls who have perished, you have our eternal gratitude. Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country will never be forgotten. You have given the ultimate sacrifice, and in your honor, we pledge to uphold the values you fought to protect. 

To our veterans who walk among us today, we salute you. Your service and dedication have not gone unnoticed. You have faced unimaginable challenges, and you have persevered. You have seen the darkest corners of humanity, yet you have emerged with strength and resilience. Your bravery serves as an inspiration to us all, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. 

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the countless individuals who support our military – the engineers, medics, logistics personnel, and many others who ensure our armed forces remain strong and ready. Your dedication and expertise are the backbone of our military might, and we are thankful for your unwavering commitment to our nation's defense. 

As we reflect on the sacrifices our veterans and their families made, let us also remember the responsibility we bear as a nation to support them in return. We must ensure that our veterans have access to the care and resources they need to thrive after their service has ended. We must work together to create a society that honors their sacrifices in words and action. 

Today, let us stand together in solemn remembrance and heartfelt appreciation. Let us share stories of bravery, honor the memories of the fallen, and express our gratitude to those who have served. Let us renew our commitment to supporting our veterans and their families today and every day. 

To all of our veterans – past, present, and future – thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are the heroes among us, and you will never be forgotten. 

With deepest gratitude and respect, 

Ronald J. Botelho (USA, SFC, Ret)