KINGS POINT, NEW YORK, April 6, 2016 - The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) will hold its 28th Battle Standard Dinner, Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6 p.m. WHAT: The Battle Standard Dinner is an annual event at USMMA to honor the memories of the 142 Cadet-Midshipmen who lost their lives during World War II. The event also honors recent graduates who lost their lives serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, US Army 1st Lt. Aaron N. Seesan ’03, US Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV ’06, and US Marine Corps 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV ’08, USMMA is privileged among the nation’s five federal academies to be the only institution authorized to carry a battle standard as part of its Color Guard. USMMA midshipmen and graduates have served in every conflict since World War II. The nine ribbons attached to the top of the Standard represent the service ribbon bars earned by members of the Regiment during World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. WHO: Keynote Speaker: Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (no interview availability) Maritime Administrator, Paul N. Jaenichen USMMA Superintendent, Rear Admiral, James A. Helis, Ph.D. WHEN: Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6 p.m. WHERE: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Delano Hall VISUAL: Formal dinner with military ceremony and keynote speaker. |