On Nov. 6, a special event took place on the Haverhill campus at NECC to honor those who have served in themilitary ahead of Veterans Day.

Commencement started at eight-thirty with Dean of Students Jason Arey, who made a speech about our soldiers and veterans who are active and non-active in the military. 

There was a very special moment of silence after Arey made his speech. Taps was played as the American flag and the

P.O.W. flag waved half-mast on the flagpole. 

Master Sgt. Alfred Denesowicz was the M.C. who led the formal event. 

Denesowicz joined the military in 1996 and served until 2022. He was a member of the Army Reserve Careers Group in Fort Devens in Massachusetts. He stated, “I am proud to stand with our veterans and military students and to ensure they have the resources and support”.

This reporter, Sgt. Linda Taylor-Goss also attended the event and is a student at NECC. She is also a veteran and was a proud member of the Army National Guard. She served from 1980 to 2006. She is currently retired and is attending NECC as well. She stated, “If I were young, I would do it all over again.”

Private First Class Hailey Denesowicz has been in the military for a year, and she is also a student at NECC in an EMT program. She stated, “I recommend anyone to join the military.”

In addition, NECC police Lt. Keith Walker and Winnie were present for the special event.