Across all three Episcopal campuses, students and faculty came together to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Through music, personal stories, handmade tributes, and acts of gratitude, students found meaningful ways to recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans and active-duty service members.
At the Beaches Campus, first graders created handmade poppy flowers as a tribute to veterans. Students in grades three through five also joined together for a chorus performance of Echoes of Freedom, using music to share a message of appreciation. The St. Mark’s Campus held a special Veterans Day Chapel that brought together students, families, and veterans for a morning of stories, music, and tributes. A highlight of the service was a panel of Navy veterans and active-duty service members interviewed by their fifth-grade daughters. Participants included Commander Doug Hale, US Navy (ret), and daughter Lydia; Captain Matt McCullough, US Navy, and daughter Mia; Lieutenant Commander Samuel Livingston, US Navy, and daughter Evie; Lieutenant Commander Greg Woelfel, US Navy, and daughter Maryanna; and Lieutenant Commander Ivan Williams, US Navy (ret), and daughter Abby. Cece Sullivan also shared reflections about her father, Lieutenant Commander John Sullivan, US Navy.
The conversations offered a personal perspective on military service and the experiences of those who serve. Fourth- and fifth-grade students performed Thank You, Soldiers, veterans from the Episcopal community were recognized, and a Navy Color Guard led a flag-raising ceremony. Families also contributed photographs and biographies to a special Hero Wall honoring loved ones who have served our country.
On the Munnerlyn Campus, students, families, and faculty were invited to participate in a letter-writing campaign in partnership with A Million Thanks, a nonprofit organization that distributes letters of appreciation to veterans and current service members. Letter-writing stations were set up in the Buck Student Center and Jacob F. Bryan III Library, giving students and families an opportunity to share handwritten messages of encouragement and gratitude. Through the partnership, the letters will be distributed throughout the year.
The Episcopal community also recognized faculty and staff members who are veterans through a prayer of gratitude shared by the Chaplains. Veterans were additionally recognized during the Prayers of the People at Upper and Middle School chapels.
Whether through a handwritten letter, a song, a handmade tribute, or a personal story, these moments offered students meaningful opportunities to reflect on service and express their gratitude. Episcopal is grateful to all veterans and active-duty service members for their dedication and service to our country.