Sacred Heart Greenwich celebrated its annual Community Day of Service November 18. Students, faculty, and Sacred Heart families participated in a baby shower supporting veteran and military families. Hayes Hall hosted the event from 9:30 to 11 a.m. In honor of veterans, juniors Maggie Heffernan, Caroline Muccia, and Emma Mulcahy founded the Salute to Service committee. They participated in the veteran baby shower by wrapping items for the veteran families. Mrs. Kerry Bader, Director of Mission Integration, Upper School Theology Teacher, and 5-12 Theology Department Chair addressed the relevance of the day for military and veteran families as they face obstacles both in combat and when they return home.
Students, families, and faculty utilized the Amazon Wish List to contribute essential baby items such as clothing, bottles, diapers, and strollers. These donations will benefit organizations supporting veterans and military families in the tri-state area, including the United States (US) Army 4th Judge Advocate General Courts (JAG) Detachment, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, and My Brother Vinny’s Place.
Mrs. Bader explained the various needs and challenges military families face. Those in the US Armed Forces make significant sacrifices to protect the country’s freedom. These men and women suffer from physical hardships during combat and training. In addition to the difficulties upon returning home, they suffer from the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses, according to ptsd.va.gov. Mrs. Bader expanded upon veterans’ struggles.
“Military families who are on active duty often face long deployments and separations from their families,” Mrs. Bader said. “This puts a strain on the caregiver left at home. In addition, the transient nature of military life often leaves military families far from their hometowns and loved ones. This puts additional pressure when caring for children. Woman veterans have higher rates of depression than non-veteran women, and they are also more likely to be heads of households. It is important to recognize that veterans and military families sacrifice to keep our country safe.”
The annual Community Day of Service baby shower is not only in support of veterans, but also to gain a better understanding of the challenges veterans and their families face. The event involves about 150 volunteers each year and serves as a community gathering day. This year, the volunteers wrapped baby items and made cards for veteran families. Mrs. Bader emphasized the impact of the Community Day of Service by highlighting its role in addressing social issues and fostering communal unity.
“Our Community Day of Service is important because it is one of the opportunities that we have to come together as an entire community–students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae, across all divisions to use our gifts and talents to support people in need,” Mrs. Bader said. “Our first goal is to help our families understand the issues confronting people in our communities. Our secondary goal is to allow families and other community members to work together across divisions and departments to help others.”
The student-led Salute to Service committee aims to raise awareness of the great importance of our military personnel’s service. Members actively support different organizations and charities dedicated to assisting homeless veterans and aiding their transition to civilian life. Maggie, Caroline, and Emma founded the committee to emphasize the significance of acknowledging veterans within the Sacred Heart student community. Emma explained the committee’s objectives and her aspirations for its future.
“I was inspired to create this committee to repay those who sacrificed all for our nation the best we can,” Emma said. “Our goal is to help better the lives of veterans returning to civilian life as much as possible. We attempt to contribute to as many organizations and charities that support homeless veterans and their transitions to civilian life. We hope that by connecting these compelling stories, viewers will develop a profound respect for the unwavering commitment and sacrifices made by our service members, ultimately leading them to consider the significance of their efforts to serve.”
The US is “the land of the free” due to the dedicated men and women who sacrifice their lives to ensure the country’s protection. These men and women have left their homes, families, and friends to fight on the front lines solely for the rights of individuals in the US. Women are less likely to be veterans because, throughout history, men traditionally dominated military roles, with limited opportunities for women to serve actively, according to masters.edu. Caroline delved into the significance of acknowledging woman veterans and supporting them, especially when pregnant. She shed light on the distinct contrast between male and female veterans.
“The importance of recognizing these brave soldiers helps spread awareness of the heroic actions they have accomplished,” Caroline said. “The percentage of women who are veterans is significantly less than the percentage of men, and when our school has a chance to show these women that they are seen and loved, it means the world to them. Even if it is as simple as donating baby items, it makes someone them more appreciated for what they have done.”
Salute to Service’s involvement in the annual Community Day of Service demonstrates student support for military and veteran families. Maggie, Caroline, and Emma have grown a deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of veterans. Caroline expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to give back to military families.
“Salute to Service expresses our thanks for our involvement on this special day,” Caroline said. “This day is very important for these families because it shows that people are always thinking about their well-being and the respect we have for these servicemen and women who have so fearlessly fought for our country.”
Featured Image by Caitlin Leahy ’25
