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Veterans Honored at Special Annual Luncheon
Today we celebrate our friends and loved ones who have served to protect our freedoms.
It has become tradition at Girls Preparatory School to honor and remember those who have served in branches of our U.S. military at Veterans Day with a special lunch, where GPS girls accompany family members on campus. A full-capacity crowd of more than 150 gather in Caldwell Commons today so that we may honor them for their sacrifice and service.
As they make their way into the building along the sidewalk flanked by American flags, our veterans are greeted by students who will accompany them at lunch. Head of School Autumn Graves, Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon, and Dean of Upper School Sarah Jackson welcome those making their way to their seats.
“This tradition has become a significant moment where we express our gratitude for your incredible commitment to service, democracy, and bravery,” says Dr. Graves, as she opens the program. “We thank Mrs. Linda Mines (retired Head of the History Department) for continuing to bring this opportunity to our community. She helped start us on a path to stop and articulate our gratitude with actions and not just words.”
Captain R. Vann Graves, Dr. Graves’ husband, flew in from London in time to attend the luncheon. “As a veteran, it’s an honor to be here with you today,” he says. Graves calls attention to the poppy in his lapel, saying in London, for Armistice Day (commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany) he saw people everywhere wearing poppies in support and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made. “It’s important that the community of GPS is taking the time to acknowledge your service as well as the service of your families who have supported you. Thank you all for coming today"
The Brainerd High School JROTC Color Guard performs the Presentation of the Colors followed by the singing of The National Anthem by GPS students Ellee Jackson, Charlotte Smith, Reese Miller, and Addie Youmuns. Senior Kathryn Thomas gives the blessing before our esteemed guests go through the lunch buffet line for pot roast, mashed new potatoes, vegetables, and freshly baked rolls.
During lunch Dr. Graves explains StoryCorps, the nonprofit organization that preserves and shares humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.
“As a former history teacher, I love stories,” Graves says. “Understanding why you all chose to enlist, to continue in basic training, and the life lessons you learned during service are valuable stories that people need to hear.” After lunch guests and their girls will have an opportunity to record their stories about their military service in our library; uploading their stories to the StoryCorps website is optional.
As the event comes to a close, Gordon leads the room in a round of American history trivia. Each table is equipped with an iPad. As the main screen flashes questions, tables can select a multiple choice answer on their device. Questions range from What did Veterans Day used to be called? to During what war was the Star Spangled Banner written? Bragging rights are given as a prize but no one left empty-handed. Guests with a red slip under their chairs are awarded the table centerpieces of Bruiser Crunch popcorn and each receive a GPS lip balm in addition to their lunch.
It’s always a privilege to welcome guests to our campus, but receiving our military members is an honor we look forward to every year. To view an extensive photo album of the day, please click here for our SmugMug account, where you can download or order prints.
