Head of School Blog

“The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” - Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address

It’s sad to think, but nonetheless true, that the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the service of a country might soon be forgotten. It is equally true that it is for “us the living” to be dedicated to advance the “unfinished work” that they nobly advanced.

On this Veterans Day, on behalf of a grateful community, I thank those in active service, our veterans, and their families for the sacrifices that few can imagine. Without empathy and appreciation, we could not begin to comprehend the isolation, adversity and uncertainty that our military families endure. Our collective memory may be short, but LJA remembers and seeks to understand.

“Us the living” also seek to advance the “unfinished work” as individuals and as a school community. We accept that people, leaders, and constitutions are inherently imperfect, but we still learn together and make right that which is wrong. Through a simple action on this day of remembrance, we can each in our own way promote equality, strengthen relationships and serve peace. To our veterans, we thank you for your service.