On November 11, Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) held its annual Veterans Day program, an event that honors our strong community of veterans and recognizes their sacrifices in service to our country. This year’s program, “Honoring the Past, Preserving the Future,” also highlighted resources available to aid veterans, including the Veterans Legal Assistance Project (VLAP) of Vermont. VLAP is an initiative of the South Royalton Legal Clinic that provides pro bono legal assistance to Vermont’s military veteran population.
The event opened with “America the Beautiful” performed by Elizabeth Schmitt JD’27, and then Chris Noble, Captain, US Navy (retired), took the stage as master of ceremonies.
Opening remarks were delivered by US Senator Peter Welch, who honored service members, their families, and loved ones. Senator Welch also discussed the impact of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (2022), which delivers benefits and care to millions impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while in service. Outreach Representative for US Senator Bernie Sanders, Ethan Avendaño-Lawrence, and State Director for Representative Becca Balint, David Scherr, also gave remarks, reiterating the significance of the day.
VLGS President Rod Smolla and Law School Dean Beth McCormack cited the bravery and humility of those who served. President Smolla invited the crowd to reflect on what patriotism means to them, especially within the context of a place of learning. Dean McCormack recognized the current VLGS students who are veterans of the armed forces, and who will serve their country in a different capacity as lawyers and policy makers after graduation.
Members of the Veteran Law Students Association also participated in the planning and execution of the day’s events. Special thanks go to Sean J. Braunstein JD’24 (US Army), Staff Sergeant Shawn R. June JD’27 (US Air Force, Iowa Air National Guard), who delivered the Pledge of Allegiance and a reading of “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, and Kristina Smith JD’26, who detailed the history and purpose of Veterans Day.
Clients of the Veterans Legal Assistance Project shared their experiences with the legal services provided to them through the South Royalton Legal Clinic. VLGS student clinicians help represent clients, developing cases from start to finish. Since its inception in 2014, VLAP has continued to develop awareness for the needs of veterans and advocate for the services they deserve.
As part of the day’s program, Professor Don Hayes JD’10, director of the South Royalton Legal Clinic and the Veterans Legal Assistance Project, presented a continuing legal education (CLE) segment titled PACT Act: Navigating Presumptive Service Connection.
The events concluded with a flag lowering ceremony with the Vermont National Guard and the Norwich Color Guard on the Debevoise front lawn, and fellowship with veterans, friends, and family, who gathered to remember the fallen.
To view the recording of the day’s events, please click here. VLGS’s Veterans Day program was also featured in an NBC5 segment, which can be viewed here.
