Greenwich's Heroes Among Us: A Veterans Day Reflection
Greenwich is home to countless heroes, including those who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Here at the YMCA of Greenwich, we are proud to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families not just for their service, but for the ways they continue to strengthen and inspire our community.
November is a time to recognize and celebrate these contributions. Military Family Month, established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) in collaboration with the United States Government, honors the incredible sacrifices military families make every day, often without recognition. Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, began as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I. In 1938, it became a national holiday, and in 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
A Local Hero’s Perspective On Service
During our annual Veterans Day Breakfast, the YMCA of Greenwich welcomed Lieutenant Commander Steven C. Hall, U.S. Naval Reserve, to speak about the impact of service. A longtime member of the YMCA of Greenwich and decorated veteran, Hall shared an inspiring reflection on what it means to serve a cause greater than oneself.
A graduate of Princeton University, Hall was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program in 1966 and earned his wings two years later in 1968. As a Navy aviator, he served with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron VS-35, flying carrier-based missions from the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War. For his valor and dedication, he was awarded the Air Medal for Combat Service and later led a Mobile Training Team in South Korea, earning commendations from both the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
Over the course of his naval career, Hall logged more than 2,200 flight hours and completed 175 carrier landings. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve while building a civilian career in San Francisco and has called Greenwich home since 1998.
Reflecting on his journey, Hall reminded attendees that service does not end when one’s military duty concludes, but continues through community, compassion, and commitment to others.
American Spirit Through Art
Attendees also enjoyed a patriotic display of artwork by Bob Mann, a self-taught painter and longtime member of the YMCA of Greenwich. Mann’s work has been featured in exhibitions throughout New York and Connecticut and has earned numerous awards for its expressive style. For the Veterans Day Breakfast, Mann debuted a collection of modernist and expressive pieces featuring stylized American flags and local urban landscapes. The collection will remain on display in Witherell Hall throughout November.
The Armed Forces & The Y
The YMCA’s proud tradition of supporting America’s Armed Forces dates back to 1861, during the Civil War, when volunteers offered relief and comfort to sick and wounded soldiers. This effort quickly grew into a nationwide volunteer movement, becoming the first large-scale civilian service corps in the United States.
By 1889, the YMCA opened its first permanent Army center at Fort Monroe in Virginia. In 1902, Congress authorized the construction of 31 YMCA facilities on military installations across the country, providing essential support to service members and their families. Today, the ASYMCA serves military families at 95 installations across all branches of service, reflecting the YMCA’s enduring commitment to strengthening communities and honoring those who serve the nation.
Service takes many forms, and this month, and every month, we are proud to stand beside those who serve. The YMCA of Greenwich continues this tradition by supporting local veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with a membership discount of 15%, a waived joiner's fee, mental health counseling through a partnership with Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, and spaces for community and connection throughout the year through free events.