On Friday morning, November 9, the Whitefield community joined together to honor our veterans at its annual Veterans Day chapel. This year marks the third year for the chapel, which is celebrated by students in all three schools, as well as friends and family members of the Whitefield community who have served or are serving in the U.A. Armed Forces.
Featured speakers at this year’s event were Ray Brown and Debbie McKinley. Mr. Brown, who served in the Navy, spoke on the history of Veterans Day and reminded students that all who have served are deserving of our respect. He is the grandfather of Whitefield students Savannah Ballew (12th), David Ballew (10th), Carson Brown (8th), and Ansleigh Brown (8th).
McKinley, a major in the United Stated States Marine Corps, is mother to PreK-4 student Malia and first grader Teddy. She spoke of her 18 years of military service and what service to her country has taught her both personally and spiritually.
McKinley shared many stories, ranging from the humorous story of her first parachute jump, when she prayed all the way down that she would land safely, to the serious story of escaping a burning helicopter with all her men safe and alive. She shared how life in the military provides perspective above all things.
“When things are difficult in my day-to-day life at home,” she said, “I remember I could be away from my husband and children, risking my life halfway around the world to defend this country, and I gain some clarity.”
The remainder of the program was filled with music provided by the concert band, who treated the crowd to an Armed Forces medley, and the combined Lower School chorale and fifth-grade chorus, who performed the National Anthem and a special selection called “Unsung Heroes."
Colors were presented by members of Boy Scout Troop 554 with Marshall Bound (4th) leading the audience in the Pledge to the American Flag. Jovani Simon (6th) read a Veterans Day poem, and senior Steven Lemasters, student body president, read an excerpt of the President’s annual Veterans Day proclamation.
After the service, the honored guests were treated to a reception in the Louise Owens Theater where they enjoyed a time of good food, swapped stories, and listened to lovely music provided by a string quartet made of members of Whitefield’s orchestra.
Featured speakers at this year’s event were Ray Brown and Debbie McKinley. Mr. Brown, who served in the Navy, spoke on the history of Veterans Day and reminded students that all who have served are deserving of our respect. He is the grandfather of Whitefield students Savannah Ballew (12th), David Ballew (10th), Carson Brown (8th), and Ansleigh Brown (8th).
McKinley, a major in the United Stated States Marine Corps, is mother to PreK-4 student Malia and first grader Teddy. She spoke of her 18 years of military service and what service to her country has taught her both personally and spiritually.
McKinley shared many stories, ranging from the humorous story of her first parachute jump, when she prayed all the way down that she would land safely, to the serious story of escaping a burning helicopter with all her men safe and alive. She shared how life in the military provides perspective above all things.
“When things are difficult in my day-to-day life at home,” she said, “I remember I could be away from my husband and children, risking my life halfway around the world to defend this country, and I gain some clarity.”
The remainder of the program was filled with music provided by the concert band, who treated the crowd to an Armed Forces medley, and the combined Lower School chorale and fifth-grade chorus, who performed the National Anthem and a special selection called “Unsung Heroes."
Colors were presented by members of Boy Scout Troop 554 with Marshall Bound (4th) leading the audience in the Pledge to the American Flag. Jovani Simon (6th) read a Veterans Day poem, and senior Steven Lemasters, student body president, read an excerpt of the President’s annual Veterans Day proclamation.
After the service, the honored guests were treated to a reception in the Louise Owens Theater where they enjoyed a time of good food, swapped stories, and listened to lovely music provided by a string quartet made of members of Whitefield’s orchestra.