Although Veterans Day was a day off for most Tampa Bay students, Academy students were in school and ready to commemorate the day in an all-school Mass on Monday, November 12.

Special guests of honor were Airman First Class Aubrey Tournade along with Academy parents US Navy CTT2 Lisa Hershiser, and Lt. Col. Carlos Perez of the US Army.

AHN President Mr. Arthur Raimo opened the Mass with a tribute to veterans. He advised students to reflect on the price freedom has cost and the sacrifices that have been made. Rev. Bruce Craig, S.D.B, Pastor of Mary Hope of Christians celebrated the Mass.

Several Academy families have first-hand experience with this commitment. As the mother of an Airman First Class, Ms. Lynn Hathaway, High School Administrative Assistant, knows this sacrifice well. “It was a great decision, a tough decision.” Her daughter, Aubrey Tournade, will be stationed in Montana. “I am very proud of her, but it is also the toughest adjustment I’ve ever had to make.”

Junior Cassidy Gourley’s father spends over half of the year away from his family serving our country. As a Colonel in the US Air Force, he is the commander of the medical staff and Langley AFB in Virginia. “Having my dad live apart from me and my family is a struggle and we miss him a lot. However, the fact that he is serving our country and helping others makes it all worthwhile.”

As a community celebrating this holiday, Academy remembered and prayed for all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom