13 Nov WA Honors Veterans With Special Chapel
Westminster Academy came together in a moving Veterans Day Chapel to honor the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Students gathered for this special chapel, recognizing the sacrifices made by countless veterans to protect and uphold the freedoms we cherish.
Dr. Satterly opened the chapel, sharing the importance of gathering to honor veterans and emphasizing that it serves as a reminder of something bigger than ourselves. He explained that it calls us to reflect on our mission, the meaning of sacrifice, and the significance of sacred duty. Coming together in community for this purpose each year strengthens these values within us. Dr. Satterly then shared a personal lesson from his first day of Army boot camp, reminding students of the importance of truly listening.
Students then had the privilege of hearing from WA alumnus David Carter, class of 2014, who returned to share his experiences and insights. Now serving as a PCA Army Chaplain with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment at Fort Drum in New York, Chaplain Carter was recently deployed with his infantry battalion to northern Syria. He spoke to students about the importance of faith, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by those in military service. His testimony was a powerful reminder of the dedication and faithfulness required in military and spiritual service. Chaplain Carter also recognized our now seventh-grade students for their faithful prayers during last year’s Bible class, which impacted him during his deployment to Syria.
Throughout the chapel, students and staff reflected on the values of service, sacrifice, and gratitude. A heartfelt “thank you” went out to all veterans in the WA community, acknowledging their vital role in defending our freedoms and serving our country with courage. The chapel concluded with a prayer from WA civics teacher Mr. Daniel Williams, who served in the 8th Tank Battalion in the Marine Corps.
Westminster Academy is grateful for the opportunity to honor veterans through this meaningful chapel, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the values that define our school and our nation.