{"id":34373,"date":"2024-04-18T11:46:27","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T15:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/?p=34373"},"modified":"2024-04-18T14:46:39","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T18:46:39","slug":"gannon-20th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/gannon-20th\/","title":{"rendered":"Remembering the Sacrifice of a Cornellian Lost in War"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">Campus event honored Marine Corps Maj. Richard Gannon \u201995, who was just 31 when he died in Iraq two decades ago<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s note: This story includes content from <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2024\/04\/5k-run-remembrances-honor-fallen-cornell-war-hero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>a feature<\/em><\/a><em> in the<\/em> Cornell Chronicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By <strong>Beth Saulnier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Cornell\u2019s formal <a href=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/memorials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">war memorials<\/a> bear the names of hundreds of alumni who gave their lives in the two World Wars, as well as dozens in Korea and Vietnam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only a handful of names\u2014standing poignantly apart\u2014mark losses in subsequent conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of those few is Maj. Richard Gannon \u201995.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Marine Corps officer and <a href=\"https:\/\/navy.cornell.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Navy ROTC<\/a> alum, Gannon was killed in Iraq in April 2004 while aiding a wounded comrade\u2014and ever since that awful loss, his memory has loomed large on the Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Rick Gannon in dress uniform with his wife, Sally, in a blue gown\" class=\"wp-image-34367 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-1264x1580.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-632x790.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A-100x125.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Sally-Rick-A.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption>With future wife Sally. <em>(Provided)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to being honored with an entry on the Anabel Taylor war memorial, Gannon\u2014who died at age 31, leaving behind a wife and four young children\u2014is remembered in two Barton Hall venues, with a classroom and a gym now each bearing his name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maj. Ted Powers, Navy ROTC executive officer and an associate professor of naval science, has called Gannon a \u201cpatron saint\u201d of the ROTC program, noting: \u201cHe\u2019s the one that we\u2019re aspiring to be more like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"621\" height=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2.jpg\" alt=\"Rick Gannon and John Daggett as students\" class=\"wp-image-34378 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2.jpg 621w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon_Daggett_20240330_crop2-100x125.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/><figcaption>At left with pal John Daggett \u201995. <em>(Provided)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>An annual golf tournament, organized by Phi Sigma Kappa brothers, is held in Gannon\u2019s memory; they also created a fund to assist his widow and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As fraternity member Brian Drumm \u201996 wrote in a 2004 message when both were established: \u201cRick\u2019s life was exemplary in every aspect\u2014a life of quiet but significant achievement, willing sacrifice, and unlimited potential.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A native of Escondido, CA, Gannon double-majored in government and history in Arts &amp; Sciences, completing his studies in three and a half years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In mid-January 1995\u2014just as his classmates were launching into their senior spring, a semester when many are taking Intro to Wines and celebrating Slope Day\u2014he accepted his military commission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following day, he donned his Marine dress blue uniform to marry his high school sweetheart.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Maria Gannon, left, and Maria Wood stand beside the war memorial plaque in the Anabel Taylor Hall rotunda that honors their fathers, Maj. Richard J. Gannon II \u201995 and Capt. George A. Wood \u201993, two alumni killed during the conflict in Iraq.\" class=\"wp-image-34357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-608x342.jpg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-304x171.jpg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-152x85.jpg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-1184x666.jpg 1184w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-592x333.jpg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-296x166.jpg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-1264x711.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-632x356.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-316x178.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/2019_1590_059-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gannon&#8217;s daughter Maria (left) in 2019, with the plaque bearing his name in Anabel Taylor. With her is the daughter of Capt. George Wood \u201993, also killed in Iraq. <em>(Jason Koski \/ Cornell University)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe was an exemplary leader,\u201d Gannon\u2019s father, himself a Vietnam veteran, said in a <a href=\"https:\/\/thefallen.militarytimes.com\/marine-capt-richard-j-gannon-ii\/257208\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Military Times<\/em> obituary<\/a>, adding: \u201cWhen he was with you, he was present, which is a very rare quality with young people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A captain at the time of his death, Gannon was posthumously promoted to major and awarded a Purple Heart, as well as a Silver Star for bravery and gallantry in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>On April 17, 2024\u2014the 20th anniversary of his passing\u2014his hometown unveiled a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pr.com\/press-release\/910061\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bronze bust<\/a> of Gannon, a memorial project spearheaded by classmate and fellow Marine veteran Craig Gottlieb \u201995.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The previous weekend, Cornell held its own commemoration with a daylong program of events\u2014attended by alumni, students, faculty, staff, Gannon\u2019s family and friends, and veterans who served with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The day kicked off with a 5K run, beginning and ending in Barton.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"824\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-824x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A bronze bust of Rick Gannon\" class=\"wp-image-34372 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-824x1024.jpg 824w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-241x300.jpg 241w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-768x954.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-100x125.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-632x785.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-316x393.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485-400x497.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/IMG_6485.jpg 1179w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><figcaption>The new tribute in Escondido. <em>(Provided)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route wound down the Slope and back up again\u2014and some ROTC students and veterans completed it while wearing weighted rucksacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other events included a post-run brunch in Barton, a gathering in a campus auditorium to share remembrances, a Mass in Anabel Taylor Chapel\u2014led by Gannon\u2019s uncle, a Jesuit priest who baptized him\u2014and a dinner at the Statler, whose attendees included  Provost Michael Kotlikoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Runners in Rick's Run, some wearing rucksacks\" class=\"wp-image-34376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-1264x842.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/240413-M-IH355-1053-A_crop.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some runners went the extra mile, donning heavy rucksacks. <em>(Sgt. Gerardo Cano)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe theme of the day was \u2018The Enduring Legacy of Major Richard J. Gannon II,\u2019 and by the end, we proved to 18 members of the Gannon family that Rick&#8217;s influence lives on here at Cornell,\u201d says Powers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn fact, his impact has only grown over the years\u2014now inspiring Midshipmen born after his death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>His impact has only grown over the years\u2014now inspiring Midshipmen born after his death.<\/p>\n<cite><strong>Maj. Ted Powers<\/strong>, Navy ROTC executive officer<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The dinner\u2019s guest of honor was one of the highest-ranking military alumni in Cornell history: Gen. John &#8220;Jay&#8221; Paxton \u201973, MEng \u201974.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paxton <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marinecorpstimes.com\/news\/your-marine-corps\/2016\/08\/05\/marine-gen-john-paxton-assistant-commandant-retires-after-42-years-in-uniform\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">retired in 2016<\/a> as assistant commandant (second in command) of the Marine Corps\u2014the capstone of a distinguished 42-year career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Gen. John Paxton speaking to an audience at a formal dinner\" class=\"wp-image-34365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-608x342.jpg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-304x171.jpg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-152x85.jpg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-1184x666.jpg 1184w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-592x333.jpg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-296x166.jpg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-1264x711.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-632x356.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-316x178.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/04\/Gannon-331-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the dinner, Paxton offered a tribute as Gannon&#8217;s family looked on. <em>(Danielle Gerritsen)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In his remarks, Paxton\u2014who\u2019d known Gannon personally when serving as his regimental commander\u2014noted that the combination of the day\u2019s events personified the late major&#8217;s character, and the fundamental principles of the Marine Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor Rick Gannon, it was \u2018mind, body, spirit,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cAnd he was all in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Top: A memorial medallion bearing Gannon&#8217;s image, on display at the Statler dinner. Photo by Danielle Gerritsen.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Published April 18, 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Campus event honored Marine Corps Maj. Richard Gannon \u201995, who was just 31 when he died in Iraq two decades ago<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":34363,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"alumni_hub_syml_posts":[21736,7529,26930],"footnotes":""},"categories":[229],"tags":[],"cornell_year_post":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-34373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Remembering the Sacrifice of a Cornellian Lost in War - Cornellians | Cornell University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Campus event honored Marine Corps Maj. 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