The School community recognized and honored the men and women who have served our country, and remembered those Portsmouth alumni who have died in the line of duty, at yesterday's Veteran's Day Assembly.
Dean of Faculty and History teacher Dr. Fred Zilian, himself a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy with a 21-year career as an infantry officer, addressed the School and said of the veterans, "These Americans did not seek or celebrate war; rather, they sought peace through service to their countries." He talked of the more-than 150,000 men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who risk their lives daily to protect our freedoms at home.
Dr. Zilian spoke of his pride in being a member of the Portsmouth Abbey community, where "...we serve each other daily. You do not have to be in the military to serve others nobly, honorably, and even courageously. (Christ) calls us to serve each other and love each other as He loved us. He challenges us to move from the World of 'I,' the World of 'Me,' the World of 'My Needs,' 'My Wants,' 'My Desires' to other worlds—the world of 'We,' the world of 'Us,' the world of 'You and I.' This ideal is woven into our Mission Statement ...;we strive to nurture the talents of each individual for service and leadership here in our own community but also outside our community in the larger world."
He concluded by reminding those present: "On this Veteran's Day, let us remember especially the service of those who served our country in the military to allow places like our Abbey community to exist."
Following Dr. Zilian's remarks, Ryan Villareal '09 and Brett Kroll '09 each spoke, Ryan talking of his father who is on active duty in the U.S. Navy, and Brett speaking of his matriculation to West Point upon graduation from Portsmouth next May.
Of his father's current 18-month deployment to Japan aboard the USS Essex, Ryan said, "Of course he would rather be home. He is lonely and we are lonely without him. It's not easy - for anyone in the family. But, even in the most difficult times, we try to remember the reason for the sacrifice - we are each doing our small part to promote peace."
Brett then shared his reasons for planning to enter the military: "Something has always pushed me to be in the army. Almost like a man receives a calling from God to become a priest. Yes, my military calling might be coming from God, but it is also coming from HONOR. It's the idea of risking your life for a better cause, just as many Americans have done for almost 300 years. The United States needs brave young citizens to protect the liberties that men of the Revolution made for us, and I will be proud to fight and die for these freedoms."
Dom Francis then acknowledged the U.S. veterans among School faculty: Mr. Kevin Morrissey, currently in the Army Reserves; Dom Ambrose Wolverton, a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict and Vietnam War; Mr. Cliff Hobbins, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War; and Dr. Zilian.
After reading the 23rd Psalm, D. Francis then read the Roll of Honor, reciting the names of 17 Portsmouth Abbey graduates who gave their lives in service to our country during World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War.
The community sang Battle Hymn of the Republic and Let There be Peace on Earth, and the program concluded on a reflective note, with Austin Lannon '10 and English teacher Ms. Corie McDermott playing Taps on their trumpets.
Read the full text of Dr. Zilian's remarks here.
Read Ryan Villareal's and Brett Kroll's comments here.
