Fishburne Military School Honors Veterans
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Waynesboro, VA — After two days of cold rain, the clouds broke on Wednesday and Fishburne Military School honored Veterans Day under brilliant sunshine. Traditionally, Fishburne commemorates Veterans Day on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the same day and time when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918 to end World War I. What was originally known as Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954 and is now the day we recognize all American armed service members whose sacrifice and commitment mean the continued enjoyment of the freedoms we value as U.S. citizens.
Throughout its 136-year history, Fishburne men have never hesitated to heed the call to fight for their country. In fact, Fishburne graduates have served in every major conflict since the Spanish-American War, with 60 making the ultimate sacrifice. As part of its Veterans Day observance, Fishburne recognizes those FMS graduates killed in conflict by reciting each name and placing an American flag next to a cross in the quad. Nearby, an empty chair draped with a POW/MIA flag is flanked by cadets standing at attention to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. Three rifles topped with helmets stand in the ground close to the chair, representing those
soldiers who served in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and all other modern conflicts.
Joining FMS cadets, staff, faculty and local veterans was guest speaker COL William J. Coffin, commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Army National Guard. COL Coffin reminded the Corps of the importance of family, because “Soldiers never go to battle alone. Without the support of our families, we would never succeed.” Coffin also noted that Fishburne’s ideals are the same ones “that inspire all service members to our Armed Forces,” and that these ideals “form the foundation of a lifetime of service to a mission greater than self.”
Battalion Commander Cadet Major Brian Draper urged those gathered to remember veterans throughout the years who have served in a time of peace. “The peacetime veteran serves to deter aggression,” and serves as vital a role as those who serve in conflict, he said.
The ceremony culminated with a three volley rifle salute and the playing of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.” Following the service in the Quad, a group moved to Riverview Cemetery in Waynesboro for the annual Founder’s Day Ceremony, where wreaths were placed at the gravesites of Fishburne founder James Abbott Fishburne (Principal, 1879-1913) and his immediate successor, Col Morgan H. Hudgins (Superintendent, 1913-1952). Fishburne died on November 11th, 1921.
Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest of all military schools for boys in Virginia. Its college-prep curriculum is built upon the structure of an Army JROTC program. Boasting a 100% college-acceptance rate for the past 10 consecutive years, FMS has also been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and may nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academics. Fishburne hosts one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation, accredited by US Army Cadet Command.
