Army chaplain, Marmion alumni guest of honor at Veterans Day ceremony

Marmion Academy in Aurora held its annual Veterans Day observance ceremony Nov. 7. The Marmion JROTC Cadet Corps honored all veterans, especially deceased alumni veterans of war, during the after-school formation and parade.

The guest of honor at this year's ceremony was Father Bernard Schaefer OSB '48. A 1948 graduate of Marmion Military Academy, he joined Marmion Abbey in 1950 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1956. He began training in 1969 as an Army chaplain and served in the Republic of Vietnam until 1971. After a break in service, Bernard served in places varying from South Korea, Germany, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. After retiring with the rank of major in 1995, Father Bernard returned to Marmion Abbey. He was the faculty chaplain at Marmion Academy for several years and continues to provide spiritual direction to others to this day.

Marmion's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a U.S. Army high school program. In the program, cadets learn to become better citizens through classes focusing on history, leadership and oral communication. They take part in military drill, inspections and parades. As they advance through the ranks, they assume increasing responsibility for leadership among other cadets in their company. The JROTC program supports a competitive rifle team and drill team. In addition, cadets can participate in Adventure Platoon and a one-week JROTC Summer Camp. For more information, visit www.marmion.org.