With all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional military celebration, the Whittier College Student Veterans Organization (WCSVO) hosted the first-ever Mess Night on campus.
“Mess Night is a United States Marine Corps tradition, however, each branch has a ritual that is similar to it,” said WCSVO President Joshua Elsen ’20. “It is a celebration based on military history that signifies a gathering of all ranks that promotes bonding and honoring the past.”
This special event brought together faculty, staff, and students, as well as local dignitaries and members of the community, including Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Whittier City Council Member Henry Bouchot, and members of the American Legion, among others. The WCSVO also paid tribute to the late Professor of Political Science Fred Bergerson, Vietnam veteran and former captain of the 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile).
The event included a military band performance, dinner, and speeches from guests, including Bergerson’s family.
“Bringing Mess Night to Whittier was an opportunity to share the military culture amongst the Whittier community,” said Elsen. “It gave us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and learn from veterans of the past.”
