Honoring Service on Patriots’ Day

On September 11, the Boys’ Latin community gathered for our annual Patriots’ Day assembly, a time to reflect, to remember, and to honor those who serve. We were privileged to welcome members of the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Fire Departments, as well as the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, whose presence underscored the extraordinary commitment of first responders in our community and across the nation.

The assembly’s keynote speaker, Deputy Chief Jacob VanGelder of the Baltimore City Fire Department, offered powerful reflections on the events of September 11, 2001, and the days that followed. Deputy Chief VanGelder, who has served with the department since 1998, shared his personal experiences in New York City in the aftermath of the attacks, giving our students a deeper understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and service demonstrated by so many during that time.

Beyond recounting history, Deputy Chief VanGelder spoke directly to the boys about the meaning of service in our daily lives. “Simply defined, service is putting yourself before others,” he shared. “It occurs even in very small ways. It is important that we learn to serve other people; we develop empathy, we broaden our perspective, and we gain a sense of purpose, all while helping people who may not be able to help themselves.”

His words resonated throughout the assembly hall. Service, he reminded us, is not confined to grand gestures or heroic acts. It can be found in simple, everyday choices—helping a neighbor, giving time to a cause, or standing beside someone in need. He challenged each of us to commit to one act of service and to carry it out, reminding us that even the smallest effort can have a meaningful impact.

Patriots’ Day is both solemn and hopeful: a day to honor the memory of lives lost and to reaffirm our responsibility to one another. At Boys’ Latin, it is also a chance to connect our mission of building men of character, integrity, and compassion to the real-world values modeled by those who serve.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all first responders for their bravery and dedication, and especially to those who joined us on campus to share in this important day. As a school community, we also pause to honor and remember all who were affected by 9/11.

Deputy Chief VanGelder’s words leave us with a lasting challenge—to live with empathy, purpose, and service at the center of our lives. It is a message our students can carry forward not only in their time at Boys’ Latin, but wherever life takes them.