Red storm has long blue line
On the campus of St. John’s University there was another graduation of sorts – when 16 graduating ROTC cadets were commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army.
On Thursday, May 13, friends and family gathered at the D’Angelo Center to witness their sons and daughters in dress blue uniforms, carrying on military traditions – some older than the United States – joining a long line of newly-minted Second Lieutenants.
The cadets took the traditional oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,” and recited the soldier’s creed, pledging to “serve the people of the United States” and “never leave a fallen comrade.”
When it came to the toast, being officers and “gentlemen,” they traditionally filled their guests’ glasses, but drank from metal canteen cups – again reminded of their duty.
Each had the insignia of their rank affixed to their uniforms by family members and/or friends and then waited to “buy their first salute.”
New British officers were assigned an enlisted man to train and teach them, according to Lieutenant Colonel Albert Lahood, the university’s Professor of Military Science. The practice carried over to the Continental Army. Since the creation of the silver dollar in 1792, new officers have rendered their “silver dollar salute” to the sergeant of their choice.
The sergeants saluted smartly, often exclaiming a motto, such as “Death before dismount!” for transport or “Queen of Battle!” for artillery officers. An exception was when former Baysider and Distinguished Military Graduate Charles Kim was saluted by his brother – “I love you, sir!”
After returning the salute, each new officer shook hands and discreetly passed the dollar.
“From that point on, the officer is expected to earn each salute he receives,” Lahood said.
Lt. Mohammed Uddin of South Ozone Park purchased his salute from Sergeant First Class Robert Thompson, an instructor at the college. Lt. Guy Seminerio of Whitestone bought his from Master Sergeant Richard Gogarty, who instructed him as a Junior ROTC cadet at Francis Lewis High School.
Then, each received their Presidential commission from Lahood, who clapped his hands on their shoulders, ceremonially “pounding in” their rank. In keeping with the modern army ethos, Lahood performed with uniform gusto, nearly buckling the knees of Lt. Desiree Jenks. “Wow,” she said with a smile.
