For the eleventh consecutive year, Fernandina Beach Christian Academy (FBCA) is honoring local servicemen and women with its annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. “We started an appreciation chapel for parents of FBCA students in the military over a decade ago, and it’s been a true honor to grow this event both in attendance and substance,” explains Micki Smith, president of the FBCA Board of Directors.
As a parent of FBCA alumni, I’ve had the privilege of attending the ceremony from its first years, when active-duty fathers, mothers, and grandparents were recognized in front of an emotional audience as we stood and applauded their service. For me, the opportunity to say thank you was special, but what I remember most is the hands of 100 five to ten-year-olds clapping as hard and loud as they could with smiles—and a few tears—on their cheeks.
“I believe this quote by Ronald Reagan says it best,” says Micki. “’Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.’ FBCA wants its students to meet, shake hands, and have the understanding that real people, not comic book heroes, are the ones who protect and defend our freedoms.”
Successful they are in doing just that in many ways with the Veteran’s Day celebration being a cornerstone. At the ceremony, both veterans and active-duty military are recognized, by name, on stage. To honor sacrifices of wars past, students dress in uniforms shared from the archives of Dave Roeser, Vietnam Veteran and local military historian.
“It’s very moving seeing the students dressed in uniforms from the first six major wars of the newly created United States of America: the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I,” says Micki, emphasizing how seriously the students take this responsibility.
And of course, those who appreciate the event most are the military men and women. “Observing Veteran’s Day allows the community to recognize the exceptional sacrifices our sailors, Marines, soldiers, airmen, and their families have made in the brave defense of our great country,” says Commander Daniel Russell, XO of VP-10 Red Lancers, Air Force, and father of two FBCA alumni. “These good people are the coaches, teachers, and community leaders who became the foremost reason I chose to serve. It is very special to see so many veterans from the community recognized by our children, who will be the future of our country.”
And Daniel’s son, Foster, adds: “When I think of Veteran’s Day, I think of my dad overseas working day and night and protecting not only me, but you, too. I am proud my dad is
a veteran.”
Another student, Brayden Collins, whose dad is CDR Ryan Collins of the U.S. Navy, said, “I love that my school supports and honors my dad! Even when he’s deployed, they honor him. I remember one year they had a surprise video, and we were all so happy and amazed to see his face.”
“It has been an unwavering focus for FBCA to recognize and honor all who have stood in harm’s way from the very formation of our country continuing until now, to protect the freedoms of all generations. Students will present tributes in song and dance for all who are in attendance and will individually recognize each branch of the United States Armed Forces,” says Micki.
All are welcome to attend this year’s Veteran’s Day ceremony at Fernandina Beach Christian Academy on Thursday, November 7 at 9 a.m. FBCA is located at 1600 South Eighth Street.