STEUBENVILLE, OH—Nearly 80 people gathered near the grassy field overlooking the J.C. Williams Center on Veterans Day, November 11, at 11:00 a.m., to break ground for a permanent Veterans Memorial at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Veterans, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and members of the community honored those who served their country in war and peace.

“Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and every day. One small way that we can honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Chris Ice, director of Major Gifts at Franciscan University, in his opening statements.

Alumni from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s who were members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (TKE) were the moving force behind the creation of this memorial. They raised $14,500 for the memorial that will be built in honor of all veterans, but especially in the memory of their TKE brother, Richard Leo “Whitey” Schoff ’66, who died in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. Schoff was killed in a small arms gun battle in Quang Tri, South Vietnam, on November 1, 1967, just three weeks into his tour of duty.

Allen Abel ’69, member of TKE, described Schoff as “somebody you right away look up to.” He called Schoff “a leader on the campus, a very strong guy. I think I ended up pledging to the fraternity because of him.”

Father Dan Pattee, TOR, alumni chaplain, gave the roll call of Franciscan University students and alumni killed in action: U.S. Marine Nick Sam Jack, killed in action in Korea in 1950; U.S. Marine Richard Riley, killed in action in Vietnam in 1967; and U.S. Marine Richard Leo Schoff.

“We honor all those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may be free,” said Ice, especially those who served in both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts from the past 35 years, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, Pakistan, ISIL, and other conflicts.

He said these servicemen and their families are great examples of “courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity—all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than oneself.”

VFW Post 232 of Amsterdam, Ohio, presented the colors in a ceremonial color guard; the formal sounding of “Taps” was presented by Rose Angelica from Mingo Junction; and Amanda Rodriguez, senior voice major, sang the National Anthem.

Dan Schmidt ’67, U.S. Army veteran and member of TKE, spoke about Franciscan University’s long-standing tradition of military service, starting with the founding members of the College of Steubenville, who were military veterans returning from World War II.

He said that through the generosity of many benefactors, what began four years ago as plans for a simple flag pole memorial will, by next year, become a “destination” where people will “sit, converse, and remember those who sacrificed for their country.”

Turning the soil in the ceremonial groundbreaking were Schmidt, Father Pattee, Ice, Bob Ledyard, a Korean War veteran; and Paul Durbak, Sr., ’66, also a Korean War veteran.

Father Pattee ended the ceremony by praying that those present may seek to continue the efforts of those who have served “as courageous protectors and true guardians of freedom.”

The Veterans Memorial will be completed by fall 2016.