From the Desk of the Grand Basileus:
Greetings,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Brothers of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. who have served our nation honorably as members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
As you all know, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most precarious moments in our nation’s history. For thirteen days, people the world over feared the worst,
as the United States and the USSR stood on the brink of nuclear Armageddon. The U.S. learned that the Soviet Union was secretly installing missiles in Cuba, bringing the two superpowers to the brink of war before an agreement was ultimately reached, thereby allowing both sides to save face.
Therefore, it is especially important on this day, originally known as Armistice Day following World War I, that we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all veterans. In 1954, At the behest of many
veteran organizations, Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day is a time for reflection and introspection. We honor those whose sacrifices have made it possible for many
Americans to live the life they currently enjoy. This is particularly true of African American veterans who oftentimes were forced to fight racism at home and abroad. What’s more, for so long, African
Americans have been given short shrift in the history books, documentaries, movies, magazines, and other popular media. On this day, we give them their just due. For, many people, the image of a veteran is that of a white serviceman. Yet, according to a 2020 Brookings Institute report, African Americans are much more likely than whites to serve the nation in military and civilian roles. African Americans have served in every branch of the service-Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, as well as in the Army and Air National Guard. Moreover, there have been no wars in which African Americans were not present and few major and minor campaigns where African Americans did not take part.
Our Brothers who have served and/or continue to serve our nation as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, be they enlisted men or commissioned officers, are sterling examples of courage, sacrifice, and service. They symbolize what it means to be a Man of Omega. Their ability to be resilient and persevere through difficult times while serving with honor, courage, and dignity embody the Cardinal Principles of MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE and UPLIFT.
On this day, I proudly salute their distinguished service and the honorable service of all Brothers in this illustrious fraternity. Thank you and may God Bless our veterans and their families.
Yours in true Omega Spirit,
Ricky L. Lewis
42nd Grand Basileus (President)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
