‘Call to military service noblest of professions’ says SWCS commander during Veterans Day Ceremony

NEWTON, Mass. – When Brig. Gen. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere, the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School commanding general, was given the opportunity to serve as the keynote speaker for the 23rd annual Veterans Remembrance Ceremony at Boston College, in Newton, Massachusetts, it was an honor and a privilege.

Veterans, cadets, leaders, students, and members of the community gathered at the Burns Library Lawn, where a wreath stood before the memorial wall with the names of fallen service member inscribed on its surface, Nov. 10. The ceremony served to observe Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended the conflict on the Western front in World War I while reflecting on those who gave their life in service to our country.

“Thank you all for being here to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served and continue to serve our great nation,” Beaurpere said. “The call to military service is the noblest of professions. It remains critical to our security and defense to our freedoms. It builds a foundation of strong and committed citizens, but it also comes at a cost in blood and treasure.”

A joint service color guard walked down the aisle to perform the posting of the colors followed by the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, a moment of silence and tolling of the bells.

“In 1938, on the eve of another global conflict, Congress made Armistice Day an official, annual national holiday,” he said. “In 1954, just before our nation was drawn into conflict in Southeast Asia, the name was changed to Veterans Day. We commit this day every year to remember that freedom is not free, that millions of Americans have served honorably and died in far-away places to ensure those liberties we hold so dear can endure and our nation continues to thrive.”

For Beaurpere, class of 1994, speaking before the guests at Boston College comes from a place of history and honor.

“Over 30 years ago, this institution and the ROTC program played a pivotal role in my transition into a life of military service,” he said. “It was ROTC that served as a gateway into the Army. That career then exposed me to generations of inspirational leadership and phenomenal mentorship by incredible humans. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force.”

He added that “the drive men and women have to answer the call to support and defend the Constitution is truly inspirational. Their individual stories are often humbling.”

During his remarks, Beaurpere shared his individual story, one that reflects French roots and his grandparents’ accounts on D-Day.

“Whether I realized it or not, my call to service started when I was very young, growing up in a French family that had been deeply affected by the Second World War,” he said. “My grandmother on my mom’s side was 19 years old and pregnant on June 6, 1944, living in a small Normandy town that, within days of allied invasion of D-Day, was liberated by the U.S. Army. My grandfather on my dad’s side was wounded and then captured by the invading Nazi Army in 1939. He spent five years as a prisoner of war until he and his fellow POWs were freed by the U.S. Army.”

He said that the generation of American soldiers were an inspiration for him that drove his decisions to join the military after college.

Following Beaurpere’s remarks, the Remembrance of the Fallen took place, in which the names inscribed on the memorial wall were read for World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For Chris Erickson, from class of 1997, those who have fought in wars and kept democracy safe is kept together by veterans from different aspects and backgrounds.

“It is a great opportunity to reflect on that, especially those who are coming up - the future leaders of tomorrow who are here,” he said. “Having this event with the students here is a phenomenal opportunity to reach out to alumni who have come back and to show the importance of the ceremony and being able to reconnect.”

Beaurpere added that regardless of the military branch in which our veterans have served, today recognizes their unwavering dedication.

“To our nation’s veterans, we say thank you, and we salute you,” he said.