The Whitefield community honored the men and women of the military at the Sixth Annual Veterans Day Chapel, held Friday, November 6, in the Athletic Center. Students from all three schools participated in the event. Boy Scout Troop 554 led the presentation of colors; the Middle School Chorus and Lower School Chorale sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces Medley, respectively, and the concert band provided the instrumental music.
Before the chapel, guests milled around the gym mezzanine, looking at a Wall of Honor which displayed the names, service years, and branches of the military of Whitefield family members. Guests and students settled into their seats in the bleachers, and then stood as veterans, many in their uniforms, filed to their seats. Dr. Bracher opened the service with a special thanks to the veterans, acknowledging the debt of gratitude owed to each of them.
The keynote speaker was Captain Joe Ludwikowski, a retired naval aviator with over 25 years of service. Ludwikowski participated in numerous operations against Soviet naval forces throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean and served as a mission commander, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours. He also held numerous staff assignments, including deputy assistant chief of naval personnel in Washington, D.C.
Today Ludwikowski serves as the executive director of the military ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with military personnel across the United States. He is also a senior fellow with the Severn Leadership Group which provides leadership mentoring to company officers stationed at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Ludwokowski encouraged students to talk to the many veterans in the audience, men and women who “have served each of you, and have much wisdom to share.” Ludwikowski also shared why students should care about veterans.
“John 15:13 says, ‘Greater love has no man than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” said Ludwikowski. “Jesus gave his life for you, and following in his footsteps, veterans lay their lives on the line every day for each of you. They need our support.”
He also shared about the military personnel he speaks with each week, who are discouraged and struggling as a result of the pressures of a military life.
“These men and women need Jesus more than anything, and those of you who know Him, are in His army,” he said. “You need to share the love of God with veterans today, and let them know that Jesus loves them and has a plan for their lives.”
During the remainder of the service Sydney Wingate, Upper School student body president, read a portion of the President’s Proclamation declaring Veteran’s Day, and seventh grader Lilly David recited a poem. Attendees also sang two patriotic songs, My Country Tis of Thee, and God Bless America, before the service was closed in prayer. After the service, veterans were welcomed at a reception in the Barnett Gathering Room.