Lake Oconee Academy honored local veterans and their families on Veterans Day with a heartfelt celebration in the Titan Center, bringing together students, staff and community members for a morning filled with music, appreciation and celebration.
The annual event invited LOA parents and relatives who served in the armed forces to share in a morning of recognition and fellowship alongside their students. The program opened with a patriotic performance by the LOA Jazz Band, followed by a Presentation of the Colors by the Civil Air Patrol students, setting a tone of reverence and pride.
Dr. Brad Bowling, Executive Director of Lake Oconee Academy, welcomed guests with a message of gratitude that emphasized service, sacrifice and the values veterans exemplify. “You remind us that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by courage, commitment and a willingness to serve something greater than ourselves,” he said, thanking students, staff and volunteers whose efforts made the morning special.
Students from first and fourth grade shared musical tributes honoring veterans — first graders sang and signed My Country, ’Tis of Thee while fourth graders performed Proud of Our Veterans. Meanwhile, teachers, parents and volunteers came together to serve breakfast and offer personal thanks to those who served. The atmosphere was warm and personal, filled with handshakes, hugs and stories exchanged across generations.
Third grader Knox Adams shared, “I loved participating in the event because it made me feel like my family was really special.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt prayer from John Arnold, LOA’s Assistant Dean of Students and a proud Navy veteran, who reminded attendees of the powerful words from John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This meaningful tradition provided students with a moment to reflect on and recognize the deep appreciation LOA holds for the families within its community who have dedicated their lives to service. The celebration served as a reminder that honoring veterans is not just about ceremony; it’s about gratitude, connection and teaching the next generation what service truly means.