Norfolk Collegiate Honors Veterans Day with Reflection and Gratitude

On Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, Norfolk Collegiate’s middle and upper school students gathered for the annual Veterans Day Program — a cherished tradition that invites reflection, gratitude and understanding of the many ways service shapes our community.

This year’s keynote speaker was current parent Commander Aaron Robinson, who serves as a Risk Assurance Assessor for Commander, Naval Safety Command, in Norfolk. Cmdr. Robinson graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and was later designated a Naval Aviator. In 2021, he earned his master’s degree from the United States War College along with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technology. He and his wife, Cmdr. Mary Robinson, are the proud parents of four Oaks — Wallace ’32, Mary Alice ’33, Evelyn ’38 and Anne ’40.

Cmdr. Robinson spoke about the meaning of Veterans Day, the desire to serve, and the profound sense of community that defines Norfolk Collegiate. Head of School Scott Kennedy noted that 23% of Norfolk Collegiate families are currently serving on active duty, and Cmdr. Robinson expanded on that, noting that it creates a school environment enriched by the experiences of active duty members, veterans and allies.

“Many of your peers, however, may not know someone who has served or is serving,” he shared. “This affords Norfolk Collegiate a unique perspective.”

Reflecting on the origins of Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, Cmdr. Robinson described how people came together around a common cause — united in honoring service and sacrifice.

“That same understanding of purpose guides people today to enlist,” he said. “We are united around a shared vision — a vision that exists in our community and in our schools.”

Cmdr. Robinson tied his remarks to Norfolk Collegiate’s Portrait of an Oak, encouraging students to consider how their own actions reflect the qualities the Portrait celebrates — compassion, leadership and community.

“Norfolk Collegiate is an example of this thriving,” he said. “You have welcomed military families into this community, and I have seen this firsthand with my children. The culture of this school is why so many military families have gravitated here.”

He closed by challenging students to recognize the impact of their everyday choices.

“Think about the myriad ways you support military families,” Cmdr. Robinson urged. “These acts of choosing to support the community have profound impacts on those around you. One act of kindness can encourage another act of kindness.”

Through his words, students were reminded that the spirit of service extends beyond military duty — it lives in every act of empathy, leadership and unity that defines what it means to be an Oak.