On Wednesday, December 4, Grade 6 students took part in a meaningful community service project at Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. As the students buffed the 6,000 plaques and read the numerous messages honoring veterans, they gained a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
The students’ experience was enriched by a guided tour led by a Vietnam War veteran and Katia Graham, the Education Program Manager of the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. The tour brought history to life as the students learned about numerous veterans, their lives, and their legacies.
The students were particularly moved by two extraordinary individuals. One was Doris "Dorie" Miller, the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross and a nominee for the Medal of Honor. Miller’s heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, including carrying wounded sailors to safety, left a lasting impression. The other was Bob Hope, the beloved entertainer who sacrificed 21 Christmases to bring joy to soldiers serving far from home.
In addition to the tour, the students enjoyed a scavenger hunt and a lesson about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the military. This hands-on learning opportunity added a unique and contemporary perspective to their day at the memorial.
Among the honored individuals represented at Mount Soledad are:
- 23 Medal of Honor recipients
- Six U.S. Presidents, including Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, and Reagan
- Admirals Stockdale and Halsey
- Generals Pershing and Patton
- Celebrity veterans such as Audie Murphy and Jimmy Stewart
- Thousands of other brave men and women who served courageously
At Gillispie, service to others is embodied in our philosophy. This project is just one of many real-world community service initiatives that our students participate in throughout the year, putting our Gillispie ICARE Values into action. Because it takes a village, our faculty, staff, students, and parents participate in numerous service initiatives throughout the year, creating a strong and compassionate community.