Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service and Legacy

DeSales University welcomed veterans, students, alumni, and community partners on Nov. 11 for its annual Veterans Day Ceremony in the DeSales University Conference Center. The program brought together participants from organizations including VFW Post 11322, the Lehigh Valley Sea Cadets, Louis Dieruff High School’s Air Force JROTC, and the Southern Lehigh High School Band.

The ceremony featured a special tribute to the Compardo family. A U.S. Capitol flown flag was presented to Darlene Compardo in honor of her father, John Compardo Sr., a World War II Navy veteran who founded the athletics department at Allentown College, and her brother, John Compardo Jr., a Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Scholarship recipients from DeSales and the Budraitis Foundation were also recognized. Brian Mauro, Ph.D., vice president of student life, thanked veterans for their continued impact. “Thank you for your courage, your sense of duty and your continued contributions to our community,” he said.

Speakers reflected on the importance of remembering those who served. “We honor their legacy and their memory and their service,” said Wendy Badman, director of veterans and military services.

The day included a POW-MIA Empty Chair Ceremony, a live flag-folding, and a Veterans pop-up museum. Guests closed the morning with a community reception.