The Judge Memorial Catholic High School students, faculty and staff will mark Veterans Day 2011 with a series of observances beginning the week of November 7.

“It is important for us to recognize the men and women who have served our country,” said Marshall Wallace, president of Judge Memorial’s junior class. “They have accomplished so much that has shaped our everyday lives that we are proud to honor their commitment and service.”

Morning announcements all week, Monday to Friday, November 7–11, will feature prayers and reflections for our veterans, soldiers, and families. Pete Espil, Judge Memorial's Director of Campus Ministry, will coordinate this remembrance with 2011-2012 Peer Ministers.

Afternoon announcements all week, Monday to Friday, November 7–11, will conclude with special quotes or reflections honoring our veterans. Mattie Mulick, Director of Activities, will coordinate this tribute along with the members of the 2010-2012 Student Council.

On Monday and Tuesday, November 7 and 8, all students will have an opportunity to write a letter to a veteran in their religion classes. Faculty and staff will be offered the same opportunity throughout the day. Letters will be collected by Student Council and delivered to the Salt Lake City Veterans Hospital on Friday, Veterans Day, by Student Council. Mattie Mulick will coordinate this campaign along with the Dr. Kandi Brinkman, department head for Theology, and with Student Council.

In the main office throughout the week, Student Council will provide small stars. Members of the Judge community are invited to stop by the office and pick up a star on which they can write the name of a loved one who has served or is serving in the military. These stars will be affixed to a larger tribute that will remain up throughout our November observances.

On Friday, November 11, all are invited to attend a Morning Rosary in the Chapel beginning at 7:30 a.m. Mr. Espil will lead all attendees in a Rosary in honor of our veterans.

"These student-driven efforts are a reflective and meaningful way for all of us to show our appreciation and gratitude to our veterans and all who serve in our armed forces," said Mulick.

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Dear Heavenly Father,

In every age, You call certain persons to defend the human family from oppression, tyranny, and evil. Since our founding as a nation "conceived in liberty," countless American men and women have stepped forward to defend our country and many others from aggressors, and to liberate those held captive.

This Veterans Day, as always, we revere all our veterans: those who rest in honored glory, those who still suffer from the wounds of war, and those who, with us, enjoy the blessing of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O God, thank You for the selfless sacrifice of these veterans and of their families. Help us to remember them, to pray for them, and to care for them. Please bring all our departed veterans into Your Kingdom, and console their families with Your unfailing love. Please heal our wounded veterans through the power of Your Holy Spirit, and give to all our veterans the satisfaction of having served You even as they have served us.

Thank You for Your gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. May we fight to keep these rights available to all. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

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Related Links:

• Veterans Day 2011: Excerpts from 'Letters to our Veterans'
• Veterans Day 2011: Judge Students honor Veterans with 2011 observances