Every year on Nov. 11, Americans across the country honor those who volunteered to fight for freedom through Veterans Day. 

Right after the 9/11 attacks, Student Activities Director Kris Costopolous’ father received a call from the U.S. Navy, for which he had served during World War II. The Navy had asked her father if he would like to be involved in their response after the terrorist attacks. Costopolous was uneasy because her father was older at the time. When she asked him if they knew his age, he replied firmly that he could do something, Costopolus said. 

“That’s the mindset of a veteran,” Costopolous said. “[They believe] that they can always do something.” 

This year, a personal friend of Costopolous, retired Captain and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, Paul Roach, was the keynote speaker at the SC and NC assemblies on Nov. 11. Roach spoke about the sacrifices veterans made, why we celebrate Veterans Day, and his own personal experiences touring in Afghanistan.

“Every veteran has written a blank check, payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life,” Roach said at the assembly. 

LT continues its commitment to showing its students the heroism and bravery of veterans. Since 2009, instead of giving students a day off, LT has honored those who served to protect democracy through assemblies, breakfasts, and luncheons on the national holiday. This year was no different; for the 16th year, LT commemorated veterans in the community and across the country. 

This year’s celebration included the usual assemblies at NC and SC as well as the luncheon. The breakfast at SC was axed this year, after a low veteran turnout last year. The luncheon at NC, however, was open to all veterans in the community and on staff, allowing them to share their stories, enjoy themselves, and convey the importance of Veterans Day, especially to the youth. 

“I noticed when we have luncheons for the veterans, they will talk to the young kids,” Costopolous said.

LT has long had a place in its heart for veterans. Outside the NC cafeteria is the Veterans Wall, and the trees alongside Brainard Avenue at NC are dedicated to each branch of the military. 

“We have a lot of alumni that actually went and served,” Student Activities Assistant Shannon Eddy said. “We really want to give them that community, give them the pride, and show them that we care.” 

Each year, Veterans Day has a different national theme; this year’s theme was “Service to our Nation” and “Unified by Service.” It emphasized the unity of all service members, united under the same purpose for every branch and generation. LT follows the changing theme chosen by the Department of Veterans Affairs for its annual celebrations, Eddy said. 

Art teacher Patrick Page also put together a video, now on LTTV’s YouTube page, describing LT’s Honor Hallway, a space dedicated to honoring the brave veterans connected to the LT community. Page describes the strong connection between LT and the military in the video, which was posted on Nov. 10.

“The honor wall has become a celebrated part of our historic [NC],” Page said.

The assemblies at NC and SC featured introductions by members of the Student Council. The Student Council also recognized the importance of Veterans Day nationally and in LT’s community. Additionally, members of the speech team delivered an inspirational speech on the impact of veterans, and band member Madeleine Curin ‘27 played “Taps” to provide a solemn salute to fallen service members.

Overall, LT’s commemorations are considered a tradition and a necessity to relay the importance of our nation’s fighters to the youth.

“It’s so important to recognize and remember those who have served because they’re such an integral part of our safety every day,” NC Student Council Treasurer Mily Patel ‘26 said.