Monday, May 29, 2017

Remember the BC Memorial Database

Some of you may not realize this, but Boston College has a very extensive and thoughtful database of all its alumni veterans who died in the line of military duty.

I attended BC during a time of relative peace. It was after the Cold War and before 9/11, so threats to our country and security seemed like a thing of the past. But even then there was a strong ROTC program and many of my classmates dedicated themselves to protecting and serving our country. The Memorial database is a reminder that Boston College alums have been serving and protecting our country since the school's founding and many made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and prosperity of the United States. Thanks to all of them.

13 comments:

JBQ said...

As a Navy veteran with four years of shipboard service with a recently deceased POW father, I appreciate much your posting. Now with that being said, the point spreads for the opening weekend have been posted in Las Vegas. BC opens as a two point underdog at Northern Illinois.

Goberry said...

thanks for this, Bill. I attended BC from 1997-2000. There were two men I knew who died on 9/11, one from class and one I had the privilege to call a friend. I am the son of a BC Alum whose arm was blown off during Vietnam, but who thankfully survived. I am the first person to criticize BC for many things, but am grateful that they haven't renamed Alumni Stadium, as it was named for the alumni who died in the World Wars. (it is technically Alumni Memorial Stadium)
BC has done an amazing job of honoring those who died in subsequent conflicts. If any of your readers haven't been back to campus in a long time, I'd highly recommend it.

Napolean Bonaparte said...

Thanks for the information re Alumni. I should have known that but did not. They should use the "memorial" in the name more routinely and have something more prominent at the stadium reflecting on the basis for the name.

somdara said...
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Geezer eagle said...

I attended bc during the Vietnam era. I was scorned and insulted when I joined the Marines my senior year. Fortunately, times have changed.

JBQ said...

@Georgia Eagle: ou-rah! Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting for. Ever to Excel!

Geezer eagle said...

Back at ya, troop!

Max said...

Not to disagree with the stadium named after veterans however everything from BC indicates the stadium is named for the the alumni that raised the money for the moving and expansion to to cut the location from Dustbowl location so BC could continue to play D1 football

Max said...

Thank you for your service. My father was a Marine. Served in Korea and Med.

HistoryBuff said...

The original Boston College on-campus football field - located on the mid-campus site that is now home to Stokes Hall - was named "Alumni Stadium" in honor of all the school's graduates. That original Alumni Stadium was dedicated in 1916 - before any BC grads lost their lives in service to our nation. However, several years ago, with great support from the Boston College Alumni Veterans' Council, a beautiful Veterans' Memorial Wall was built and dedicated on Nov. 11, 2009. The Memorial Wall includes the inscribed names of all former Boston College students who gave their lives in the service of our nation.
When a new football stadium was constructed in 1957, the name "Alumni Stadium" was transferred to the new facility. It was expanded and rebuilt as the current Alumni Stadium in 1994.

Anonymous said...
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John said...

RIP Captain Robert Douglas Hauer, USAF pilot, Class of 1968 - shot down and KIA Vietnam as Forward Air Observer, September 1970 (although listed as MIA for years).

He was my classmate and best friend.

Monday was a good time to listen to and watch John Williams's Hymn to the Fallen on YouTube - or do it now.

God bless all those who paid the ultimate price and their families.


BJK
CPT. U.S. Army
one of the lucky ones.

Unknown said...

SOME ONE ELSE WHO NEEDS TO BE REMEMBERED OUTSIDE THE STADIUM IS THE IGNATIAN GIANT
FATHER J. DONALD MONAN SJ WHO RAISED BC TO THE ACADEMIC AND FOR 25 YEARS TO THE
ATHLETIC ELITE. A STATUE TO KEEP DOUG AND GERARD COMPANY.