Lower Schools Celebrate Veterans Day

As the nation commemorated Veterans Day, St. Mark’s and Beaches Campuses honored the brave men and women who have served in the military through heartfelt services, personal stories, and tributes, deepening student understanding of service and patriotism.

The St. Mark’s Campus hosted a Chapel service for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Commander Doug Hale, Ret. U.S. Navy, served as the guest speaker and shared a powerful message about the importance of “service above self” and the significance of recognizing Veterans Day. Fourth and fifth grade students sang, “Thank You, Soldiers,” which brought tears and heartfelt smiles to many audience members. Past and present military members from the Episcopal community, many in uniform, were also recognized during Chapel for their dedication and service. Following the service, the Navy Color Guard led a flag-raising ceremony, with Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 students participating in the respectful observance. In addition to Chapel, families were encouraged to submit photos and bios of loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the military. These tributes were displayed on a “Hero Wall,” which was visited throughout the day by students as they learned more about the sacrifices and bravery of those who serve and have served. 

The Beaches Campus community came together at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church last Wednesday for a heartfelt Veterans Day Chapel service. The gathering honored the brave men and women who have served our country, bringing students, faculty, families, and veterans together in a touching tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. The service began with a rendition of America the Beautiful, performed by the talented third grade class. Their voices filled the chapel, adding a sense of pride and unity that was felt by all in attendance. This annual Chapel service is a beloved tradition, instilling in students an appreciation for Veterans Day and a deeper understanding of the impact of service. In addition to the chapel service, the first grade classes were honored to welcome special guests, Lt. Colonel Miranda Gahn and Staff Sergeant TJ Grose. Both veterans shared personal stories from their time serving in the Army, giving students a glimpse into the commitment, challenges, and rewards of military life. The kindergarten classes also had the privilege of meeting Commander Patrick Aland, who spoke about his experience as a pilot, inspiring young minds with tales of courage and duty.