Saluting our Servicemembers: Veterans Day Chapel at PCA
Portsmouth Christian Academy Honors Service and Sacrifice at Veterans Day Chapel
DOVER, N.H. — November 11, 2025 — Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) held its annual Veterans Day Chapel on Tuesday morning, honoring those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The event featured moving reflections from Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Howe, U.S. Army (Ret.), and Colonel Mike Runey, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Head of School, who together invited students to remember the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
Each Veterans Day Chapel begins with the presentation of the nation’s colors, performed by PCA students, Noah Lawrence, Daniel Kerrigan, David Howe & Aly Fry, all children of servicemembers.
Colonel Runey opened the service by reminding students, faculty, and guests of the solemn purpose of Veterans Day: to remember those who have served—and to recognize the cost of peace.
Quoting General William Tecumseh Sherman, he said, “War is hell,” adding that for those who have experienced it firsthand, that truth is undeniable. “Most of us who served want to spare you that war,” Runey said. “We know, though, that sometimes war will find you. That is why most men and women who serve do so to defend you—to prevent that hellish event called war from ever visiting you or your loved ones.”
Runey emphasized that service extends beyond combat, honoring those who stand guard in times of peace and those who prevent war before it begins. “Whether they went to war or stood watch around the world, we remember them with great thanksgiving,” he said.
He then offered a poignant truth shared by many veterans: “When you say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ more and more servicemen and women respond, ‘You are worth it.’ Regardless of what you believe, your background, or your politics—you are worth defending.”
As a Christian serviceman, Runey connected this conviction to faith: “I say that because of what God says about you—and about my neighbor, even if I don’t agree with them. My hope and prayer for our PCA community is that we would glorify God, recognize our veterans, and grow together as a community that hopes and prays for peace.”
After Colonel Runey’s opening remarks, PCA Junior, Riley Tuttle took the stage. Three years ago, then-8th-grader Riley announced his Legacy Project to create an Honor Wall, recognizing those in PCA’s community who have served our nation. Over 50 alumni, staff, faculty, and community members have been added to the wall, a 55″ TV monitor running outside of our history classrooms at the Upper School. This Honor Wall depicts each servicemember’s photo, years served, and branch served in. Graduates of PCA also show their graduation year.
Riley’s Uncle John, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II from 2003 to 2006, was the inspiration for Riley’s effort to recognize our veterans through the Honor Wall. The full gallery of PCA community servicemen and women was displayed in today’s chapel.
One of the most impactful moments of our Veterans Day Chapel each year is the playing of the Armed Forces Medley, performed by our Upper School Orchestra. As each branch’s song is played, community members who served in that branch stand to be recognized by students, faculty, staff, and guests.
“I love only that which they defend.”
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen F. Howe, U.S. Army (Ret.), delivered this year’s keynote address. Colonel Howe is a decorated Special Forces officer with more than 20 years of service and leadership across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, he holds a Master’s Degree in Theater Operations from the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies. His career includes commanding Special Forces Detachment Alpha 345, serving as Senior Army Advisor to the New York National Guard, and earning numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Since retiring in 2018, LTC Howe has continued serving through education and leadership. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer here at Portsmouth Christian Academy.
“Happy Veterans Day, everyone—my beard sends its regrets, it couldn’t make it this morning,” Howe began, drawing laughter from the audience. He then spoke about his lifelong desire to serve his country, recalling, “There was never a time in my life when I didn’t want to be a soldier.”
Howe reflected on the legacy of military service that predates the nation itself: “The U.S. Army was established in June of 1775—a year before our country declared independence. To be part of that story, stretching back to Concord Bridge and the early patriots who pledged their lives and sacred honor, is something every veteran carries with pride.”
He spoke of the selflessness of those who serve: “Every veteran who has served since 1973 has done so voluntarily. They gave up time with family, put their health on the line, and missed birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays—not for glory, but because they love what they defend.”
Quoting J.R.R. Tolkien, Howe captured the heart of his message: “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”
He also urged the audience to remember military families, who often carry unseen burdens: “Every move is a new school, a new community, and a new beginning. Families serve too. They carry the weight of absence and the pain of uncertainty, and they do it out of love.”
Howe closed with a moving recollection from his return to the United States after the attacks of September 11, 2001. “When we landed in Delaware, there were American flags everywhere,” he said. “The spirit of the country was amazing. And when someone said, ‘Thank you for your service,’ I used to say, ‘For what? I’m living my dream.’ Now I say, ‘It was my honor.’ I got to do amazing things, go to amazing places, and serve beside some of the greatest Americans you’ll ever know.”
Tuesday’s chapel was largely student-led, with participation from Student Council President Kyla Collins and Vice President Anna Odom, reflecting PCA’s mission to cultivate gratitude, leadership, and community among its students.
“Whether they serve in uniform or serve beside those who do,” Runey said, “our prayer is that this generation will remember and honor the call to stand for what is right—with humility, faith, and compassion.”
