Santa Fe Christian’s gym was filled with K-12 students, staff, parents, grandparents, and beloved veterans as the school put on their 26th annual Veterans Celebration. The event included veterans from various military branches, spanning multiple generations and conflicts, including WWII and the Vietnam War.

One veteran in attendance was Lt. James Timothy Brock, the oldest non-Catholic chaplain to commission in the U.S. Navy, who took part in the ceremony. Lt. Brock, married to Rebecca Brock, a Middle School English teacher at SFC, opened the event in prayer.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey M. Robb and SFC dad took the stage as the event’s keynote speaker, focusing his message on the importance of service.

“During my tours overseas, I learned what true service meant. Service wasn’t about glory, it wasn’t about recognition, and it certainly wasn’t about personal gain. In fact, the more I served, the more I realized that true service is about sacrifice and humility. It’s about stepping up when the call comes and doing the hard work, even when no one is watching. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself,” said Robb.

This year’s celebration featured many special touches. SFC students from all grades had the opportunity to write thank-you letters to veterans, expressing their appreciation for the service and sacrifices of military personnel.

“The cards were filled with sweet sentiments of appreciation and gratitude and allowed our students to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served in our armed forces,” said Amanda Walker, Principal of the Elementary School.

Another heartwarming moment happened before the ceremony when a group of high school athletes, each dressed up with a shirt and tie, helped personally escort veterans from the parking lot to their seats.

“Having our boys escort our veterans is an opportunity to honor our veterans and to show them the reverence they deserve,” said Doug Miller, SFC’s Director of Athletics. “As service men and women, they gave us their best, and we should do the same in return.”

The ceremony concluded with speaker Jeff Robb presenting some of his old military gear and memorabilia to students at the event.

One piece of memorabilia was the flag Rob carried with him in eight combat zones, including Afghanistan. Robb asked the boy’s lacrosse captain to take the stage as he presented his American flag to the boy’s lacrosse team. Robb reminded him to fly the flag high because it represents the sacrifice of countless men and women.

The Veterans Celebration has become a beloved tradition at SFC, providing an opportunity for students to serve local veterans and instilling respect for those who have served in the military.

Watch the Veterans Celebration here.