celebrating the service of veterans
Perimeter School continues our over 30-year tradition of students and faculty expressing appreciation to veterans for their service.
Please join us in person or online on Wednesday, November 12, at 9:30 AM as we honor all those who have served in the armed forces.
Our program will include the traditional elements of Perimeter School Veterans Celebrations, such as the honoring of veterans during the Armed Forces Medley.
We encourage veterans to wear their uniforms or insignias to indicate their branch of service. A reception for our guests immediately follows the celebration. Accessible parking and curbside assistance will be available.
If you choose to participate online, you can watch the celebration on Perimeter Church's YouTube channel.
From Challenger to Christ:
A Navy Pilot’s Legacy and His Daughter’s Faith
We are honored to have Alison Balch as the speaker for this year’s Veterans Celebration.
Alison’s life was profoundly shaped when, at fourteen years old, her father, astronaut Michael Smith, lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy on January 28, 1986.
Four years later, she became a follower of Christ, and in response to a prayer she began in 2008, God has given her a deep desire to share her story - one she now recognizes as ultimately His story - with countless audiences.
Married for 32 years to Glen and mom to Anna and Lauren, Alison has lived across the country, taught school, led in Young Life and Bible Study Fellowship, and joyfully poured into her family, church, and community. Whether climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or co-leading a group of young moms, Alison seeks to walk obediently with the Lord and expectantly follow wherever He leads.
The impact of celebrating veterans at Perimeter School
Our program began as a classroom inspiration in 1995 and has become an impressive and exciting event growing beyond the walls of Perimeter School and Perimeter Church. In past years, over 2,500 people have attended, including 280 veterans from all branches of the military. Over the years, Perimeter School has discovered that many veterans have never experienced any level of appreciation for their military service. Many of these men and women leave our program emotionally overwhelmed at the gratefulness expressed.
“Before attending Perimeter School’s Veterans Celebration, I never really had the chance to be with a large group of veterans of all ages. This provided the perfect opportunity to do so. It is always so touching to see other veterans and hear Their stories rather than just knowing my experience. It always grabs my heart.”