During Community Time on Veterans Day, students welcomed Mark Tharp ’13 to campus. Mr. Tharp, a Navy veteran, met with Middle/Upper Schoolers first, and then with Lower Schoolers, in the Lora M. Robins Theatre. Joining Mr. Tharp at Steward was his wife, Allison (Mitchell) Tharp ’15, and their infant son. Many of Mr. Tharp’s family members are Spartans, including his niece, Frances Harless ’36.

Students in all divisions had the opportunity to ask Mr. Tharp questions, and during the Lower School gathering, Class of 2032 students Carter Reid, Campbell Vorenberg, and Lawson Winebrenner welcomed students to the assembly and shared information about the history and significance of Veterans Day. Following their remarks, first graders took to the stage to sing a charming rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

In both of his talks, Mr. Tharp gave a brief history of Veterans Day, which was originally known as Armistice Day and signaled the end of WW1. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Mr. Tharp proudly shared that many of his family members have served or currently serve in the military. 

“My call to serve was always there,” he said, reflecting on his decision to join the military, “and a book [about the military] that I read while I was at Steward really got me hooked.” After college, he signed up for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) training, an extremely rigorous program that includes running, swimming, and obstacle course workouts. Although an injury during BUDS training prevented him from continuing to pursue a military career, Mr. Tharp continues to be passionate about helping others. 

“You don’t have to be in the military to serve,” he told students. “For example, your teachers serve … and I encourage you to volunteer in your community. Put others before yourself, and today, on Veterans Day, call veterans to thank them or write them a note. This is a day of gratitude.”