By Keir Cullen Janey

Asst. Arts & Features Editor

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Retired government professor Dr. John Ambacher

r. John Ambacher, retired government professor who works part time, and the FSU Chorus honored veterans and their family from the Framingham community at the Veterans Day Remembrance ceremony in the Heineman Ecumenical and Cultural Center on Monday, Nov. 14.

The ceremony took place in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.  Respect was paid additionally to veterans with family in Framingham. A slideshow, put together by Instructional Technologist Clair Waterbury, displayed photographs of veterans alongside their military ranks and achievements while Ambacher read aloud the letters of veterans from the Civil War, World War II, Korea and Bosnia.

Ambacher said, “Students, faculty and administrators were very cooperative about giving photographs of soldiers in their families to put in the slideshow we displayed.”

The emotional letters that he read aloud to the audience brought to life the different experiences and hardships endured by the soldiers who have fought for our country. Their personal stories demanded appreciation from everyone in attendance for all that veterans have done for America.

A soldier wrote to her parents, saying that gunshots shook the ground around her all through the night, and she was living in freezing cold and crowded conditions. She wrote that she could feel her mother’s prayers, and that’s what motivated her to continue every day. Another soldier wrote to his sister, saying that he had learned the true meaning of freedom by fighting for his country.

A particularly moving letter was written by a lieutenant to his family. In it, he explained that his family had given him the courage and bravery he needed to continue fighting for what he believed in. He wrote, “The U.S.A is worth the sacrifice.”

This remembrance ceremony was the first to focus specifically on Framingham’s veterans. Ambacher wanted them to receive recognition for serving. He said, “This is the first time we’ve done a ceremony like this. There were two before which were just focused on the Civil War. This year, we wanted to expand it and represent all different wars and military troops.”

The FSU Chorus performed “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “What Wondrous Love” and “Steal Away,” directed by Dr. Paul Cienniwa and accompanied by Jane Raithel.

Ambacher said that it was fitting for the chorus to sing the same songs that had been used for the previous ceremonies. He explained, “As our project expanded, we realized that the pieces were timeless. I was very happy with it.”

Students reflected on how they were affected by the moving ceremony.

Junior Emily McNamara said, “It was very emotional. Hearing the letters makes you realize how those who are serving are affected, as well as how people at home are affected.”

Freshman Chelsea Gordon said, “My grandfather fought in the Korean War, so it was personally important for me to hear the stories of others who have fought for our country.”

Peter Sargent, also a freshman said, “It’s striking to remember and see the images of soldiers that have fought for us. That hit close to home.”