To the Editor:

Veterans Day, November 11, 2022 was a momentous day in Princeton occasioned by two wonderful and important commemorations: the annual Veterans Day Service that is jointly sponsored by Princeton University and the town’s Spirit of Princeton organization, and the Centennial Charter Celebration of American Legion Post 218–Charles W. Robinson. 

The service at the University was inspirational with a keynote address by the Reverend Dr. Deborah Blanks, pastor of Princeton’s Mount Pisgah AME Church, followed by a swearing in of nearly 100 ROTC Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets on the steps of the University Chapel. I was filled with hope that the founding values and principles of our country and indeed democracy itself “shall not perish from the earth.” 

The inspiration and hope I felt continued at noon with the Centennial Charter Celebration of the American Legion Post 218, named for Charles W. Robinson, an African American son of Princeton who enlisted and served in the Navy in the First World War and was killed when his ship was torpedoed. The Post received its charter on November 15, 1922 and has served hundreds of veterans and this community for 100 years. The values and principles of its charter and constitution continue to inspire its members and friends to rebuild, renew, and reclaim its legacy through the Operation Phoenix initiative.

I want to thank all who were involved in both of these events and who helped make Veterans Day in Princeton an extraordinary day of remembrance, celebration, and commitment.

Hendricks S. Davis
Project Manager, Operation Phoenix
John Street