On Wednesday, November 10, students, faculty, staff, and families of Heritage Christian Academy gathered in their annual Veterans Day Program to honor the men and women that have selflessly served our nation through service to the military. Organized by Mr. Crawley, the ceremony featured a special video highlighting the photographs and names of the veterans submitted by parents of HCA students. Guests also heard special presentations by HCA students Fischer Barber, Mabry Barnett, and Katie Hart and a moving musical selection from elementary music students, led by Mrs. Manston. Veterans in attendance, which included parents and grandparents of Heritage students, were introduced individually by their family member.
The program culminated in a presentation by Mr. Jeffrey Rease, a professional photographer based in Birmingham who founded the “Portraits of Honor” project in April, 2019. The program began as a way for Mr. Rease to add a portrait of a WWII veteran to his portfolio. It quickly blossomed into a larger mission to meet and photograph as many WWII veterans as possible—anywhere—and share the images and stories through his website (www.portraitsofhonor.us). Mr. Rease shared some of these portraits and stories with our students and specials guests as well as hosting a Q&A with juniors and seniors at Heritage Christian Academy following the school-wide assembly.
We are thankful to Mr. Crawley for organizing the event, Mr. Gurganus for his role in facilitating, Mrs. Knott & Ms. Reese for providing patriotic artworks to compliment the program, Mr. Hill for his assistance in setting up the facilities and decorations, and Mrs. Manston for directing the music during the program.
