During the Lower School’s annual “Salute to the Military,” second graders proudly show their patriotism as they sing the classic “You’re a Grand Old Flag”
For Director of Lower School Susanne Swain ’78, families connected to the United States Armed Forces are central to Hampton Roads Academy. “We have so many children here whose parents are in military service or are in industries related to the military, whether that’s the shipyard or NASA Langley [Research Center],” she said. “It’s such a big part of our identity.”
On the afternoon of Friday, November 13, the Lower School paid tribute to these core members of the HRA community at the annual “Salute to the Military,” an energetic musical program held during the division’s monthly Leadership Assembly.
Featuring performances by students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 4, the celebration was an opportunity for HRA and its youngest learners to thank the veterans and active-duty military personnel who contribute so much to the life of the school and provide a model of service, patriotism, and resilience for every Navigator. Lower School families and friends filled the Svein J. Lassen Auditorium for the lively assembly, a beloved tradition that is emblematic of the values that define the Academy.
Honoring military families: servicepeople in the HRA community are moved by the Lower Schoolers’ tribute
This year’s “Salute to the Military” represented the culmination of a series of events honoring military families as HRA marked Veterans Day during this historic semiquincentennial year for the United States. The Upper School kicked off the holiday observances by recognizing veterans and their families during Homeroom on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 10. The Middle and Upper School band presented a special concert dedicated to current and former servicepeople the following evening, a performance that drew inspiration from the Lower School’s spirited, division-wide musical celebration last fall.
By playing a prominent role in the Academy’s Veterans Day festivities, Lower School students not only learned important lessons about civic responsibility, but also gained confidence as they performed for a supportive community dedicated to their learning, growth, and success.
A Deeply Meaningful Lower School Tradition
Throughout its history, HRA has always paused in mid-November to reflect upon and give thanks for the service of the many military heroes in the Navigator community. The newest of the Academy’s three divisions, the Lower School introduced its own Veterans Day celebration twelve years ago, starting with the “America A to Z” program. This early iteration of the holiday tradition, with kindergarteners acting out historical vignettes and fourth graders playing the role of narrators, honored the heritage of the country that servicepeople bravely defend.
Students build their confidence on stage during the November Lower School Leadership Assembly
Three years ago, Swain explained, the Lower School team introduced the current “Salute to the Military” in order to expand upon “America A to Z” and create “an opportunity to get all grade levels on stage.” With every Lower Schooler singing for their teachers, families, and peers, the “Salute” is an impressive production that would not be possible without the efforts of every classroom instructor and, above all, music teacher Erika Caulford, who helps students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4 learn music for the program.
In addition to honoring veterans and active-duty servicepeople, the event advances the broader goal of Lower School Leadership Assemblies: empowering young learners to grow more comfortable in front of an audience and develop crucial skills to take on roles as leaders in the school community. “It’s part of our ongoing practice of making sure we are getting as many children on stage as possible throughout the year, so that our children begin to build confidence in that moment,” Swain said.
Just as important is the opportunity to gather the full Lower School community in one place in support of the students’ growth in character and artistry as well as academics. While servicepeople were extended a special invitation this month as thanks for their sacrifices and devotion, Leadership Assemblies consistently bring a significant number of parents, grandparents, and special friends to campus.
Seeing these loved ones’ faces in the audience, Lower Schoolers “know that we’re bound together as a caring community for their benefit,” Swain observed. “It’s not just teachers caring about what they’re learning. Their parents are invested, too. Their grandparents are invested, too. There are not many settings where children get that sense of community anymore.” HRA is proud to be the exception to the rule.
A Patriotic Program
Fourth-grade soloists Claira Harper ’35 and Roman King ’35 demonstrate their vocal talents during a rendition of “This Is America”
Following the monthly recognition of class flag bearers, who led their peers into the auditorium, the “Salute to the Military” kicked off with an adorable rendition of “Yankee Doodle” by HRA’s pre-kindergarteners.
Each grade level, with students decked out in red, white, and blue, took its turn on the stage, performing such well-known patriotic standards as “America” (“My Country, ’Tis of Thee”), “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “This Land Is Your Land.”
As Caulford noted, preparing to sing these tunes that connect citizens to the American experience reinforces both musical and civic literacy. “The students learn a new patriotic song each year in the hope that they learn to be proud of our country,” she said.
The grand finale of the program was a heartfelt performance of “Thank You, Soldiers” by the entire Lower School. Caulford commented that this moving conclusion, a cherished annual tradition, always gives her goosebumps.
Swain agreed. “It’s tremendously powerful,” she said, to see what this show of appreciation means to all the veterans and active-duty military personnel in the room. “There has not been a year when I haven’t felt like I wanted to cry.”
A Model of Character
Kindergartener Caitlynne Caudill ’39 and pre-kindergartener Wyatt Caudill ’41 pose with their grandfather, a proud veteran, after the assembly
Of the many lessons students learned from participating in the spectacular tribute to courageous members of the military, there was perhaps none more critical than the importance of empathy and a readiness to help other people.
The “Salute to the Military” represents a perfect complement to the Lower School’s coverage of “community helpers,” such as firefighters and police officers who visit HRA throughout the year to discuss the ways in which they serve their neighbors. This year’s assembly was a reminder of how such individuals deserve our thanks for all they do.
“The students learned that leadership is not just about being in charge—it is about serving others, showing appreciation, and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of others,” said fourth-grade teacher and Student Council Association co-sponsor Savannah Whitten.
According to Lower School Spanish teacher Liza Perez, who advises the SCA alongside Whitten, the assembly “gave us the opportunity to teach students about gratitude, respect, and service.”
“Many of our families at school are military families—mine included—and this makes it very personal to us,” Perez added. “This tradition brings our school community together and helps students understand the importance of honoring those who serve.”
