Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Members of the Yale community gathered on Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the military. The ceremony, held at Hewitt Quadrangle, featured speeches from university leaders and veterans.
Briana Thompson, a third-year student at Yale Law School and former U.S. Air Force aviator, spoke about her experiences during her 14-year military career. She described how her service taught her resilience and adaptability, saying it gave her "a second family" and helped her appreciate labor that transcends self-interest.
The event also recognized Michael J. Wishnie, the William O. Douglas Clinical Professor of Law and director of Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Since its inception in 2010, the clinic has assisted veterans with legal challenges related to administrative discharges and discrimination in benefits access.
Yale Law School Dean Heather Gerken praised Wishnie's work: “The clinic is tiny by comparison to most legal service organizations,” she said. “And yet Mike and his students set out to do things that no legal organization in the country had even thought to do.”
Yale President Maurie McInnis highlighted the long-standing tradition of military service within the Yale community, noting that members have been called upon by "higher ideals" for generations.
The ceremony concluded with performances by the Veterans Day Brass Ensemble featuring students from Yale School of Music.
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