Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day 2025

Posted November 13, 2025

SAA celebrated Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, with our annual convocation. The special event is held to recognize the courage and dedication of parents, faculty and staff, grandparents, and alumni who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

Upon entering Ellison Hall, guests were welcomed by several meaningful tributes honoring our service men and women. The "Missing Man Table" offered a powerful reminder of those who have fallen, are missing, or are imprisoned. Nearby, The Academy’s annual Honor Roll of Service lined the wall with the names of veteran family members submitted by the SAA community, giving the boys a special opportunity to place flag stickers beside the names of their loved ones.

During the program, the Wildcats Chorale filled the room with patriotic music, and Primary School Music Teacher Traci Brown performed a special tribute highlighting each branch of the U.S. military. After chapel, we were treated to a special performance of our national anthem from Jon Donaldson, the brother of SAA alumnus Donald Donaldson '23.

Following the performance, SAA cadets held a parade with Army veteran and alumnus Pete Thompson ’59 as the reviewing officer. Pete served two years enlisted, two years as an officer to include a Special Ops tour in Vietnam, and two years in the Active Reserves.

"The Army had promoted me into real-life experiences, with training, exercises, responsibilities, and teamwork," said Pete. "I had passed the tests and become a member of one of the greatest teams in the world. 'Be all you can be' was no longer a slogan. It was a way of life."

We are grateful for the sacrifices and service of all who have defended our nation.

See more moments from Veterans Day Convocation in the Flickr gallery below.