November 9, 2018
Dear Columbus Academy Families,
Columbus Academy has an extensive history of students who have served in the armed forces. From our very first graduate (Carey Evans, Class of 1914) to our first alumnae to serve -- Mary Beth Ray and Jamie Scheiman, both from our Class of 2006 -- to Tom King '14, who recently was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and begins Naval Flight School next month, Columbus Academy commends the spirit of service its many alumni, faculty, staff, coaches, parents and friends have chosen to uphold.
An emerging tradition here is our moment of remembrance and thanks for our veterans, which will take place on the morning of November 12, as we honor all who have served or are serving in the United States military. Starting at 7:43 a.m., the Academy bell will ring 501 times, one time each for 494 alumni and seven faculty/staff members who have served or are currently serving.
During the 20 or so minutes that this will take place, we are asking that everyone on campus -- students and adults alike -- show reverence for our military service members by coming together outside, listening to the bells toll, reflecting on their sacrifice and showing respect by remaining quiet as we prepare for the start of the school day. I have shared these requests with our upper-schoolers, and faculty will encourage middle school students to join us, too. The day's importance and the meaning of the bells ringing will be discussed during lower school assembly as well.
If you find yourself here Monday morning, I hope that you will join us in this quiet remembrance. I encourage you to visit the quad area behind Academy Hall and listen to the bell ringing over and over again. As I have told our faculty: if we work at it, we might be able to even relieve some stress by showing our students how to take a moment -- in their busy and demanding lives -- to reflect.
Thank you for helping us honor this important history of the school and for encouraging our students to see that there are moments in their lives when they need take time to consider causes that are greater than themselves.
Happy Veterans Day,
