Benjamin Commemorates Veterans Day With Assemblies On Both Campuses

The Benjamin School community gathered on both campuses on Wednesday, November 11, for the school’s annual Veterans Day observances, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served.

The Middle School gathered in The Barker Performing Arts Center for its annual observance of the holiday, which included opening remarks from Head of School Dave Faus and middle school history teacher Chrissie Ferguson. 

Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr welcomed guests and students to Benjamin Hall and reflected on the importance of the annual observance, emphasizing the opportunity it provides to pause, reflect and express gratitude. 

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Jupiter Langley Squadron. Cadets Aiden McCorkle, Taylor McCorkle, Matthew Hobbs and Kate Peters served as the color guard. The Upper School Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Henderson, performed the national anthem following the presentation of colors.

Carr said the yearly observance “invites us not only to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before us, but to be inspired to show our gratitude and commitment to those currently serving our country and fighting for those very same ideals.”

The program was led by Veterans Appreciation Club co-presidents and seniors Landon Strauss and Alex Calvo Ayers, who welcomed attendees and shared the history of Veterans Day, from its origins as Armistice Day in 1919 to its official designation as Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.

Guest speaker, retired Army First Sergeant Matt Eversmann, offered a powerful and personal perspective on military service, leadership and courage. Eversmann, whose experience during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu became widely known through the film Black Hawk Down, deployed to Somalia with the 75th Ranger Regiment in support of Operation Gothic Serpent. He later served in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his actions in Mogadishu.

Drawing on his experiences in combat, Eversmann challenged students to consider what courage truly means. He recalled the fear he experienced when ordered to lead his soldiers back into a dangerous area of Mogadishu just days after the devastating battle that had claimed 19 American lives and left dozens wounded. 

Eversmann also shared a passage from Isaiah 6:8, which reads, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me.” He connected the verse to the spirit of selfless service embodied by the men and women who volunteer to defend their country.

“Every day should be a Veterans Day,” Eversmann reminded students, encouraging them to recognize and thank veterans whenever they have the opportunity. He also challenged the next generation of leaders to make the most of the freedoms they enjoy, strive to be better every day and embrace opportunities to serve others.

The ceremony concluded with a performance of the Armed Forces Medley by the Upper School Band, featuring the anthems of each branch of the United States military. The musical tribute provided an opportunity to recognize and honor the veterans in attendance and those across the nation.

Through the annual observances on both campuses, Benjamin students were reminded that the freedoms they experience each day are made possible by the sacrifices of those who have answered the call to serve.