November 11, 2024
A salute to Veterans
Capt. Hunter D. Washburn ’00, USN reflects on his service and Andover originsOn Thursday, November 9, Capt. Hunter D. Washburn ’00, USN, was the keynote speaker at Phillips Academy’s 15th Annual Veterans Day Dinner, which was held in Kemper Auditorium. Co-hosted by Andover and the Military (AATM) and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the event was attended by alumni, faculty, students, and numerous veterans, including Congressman Seth Moulton ’97. Prior to the program, the AATM Committee gathered for their annual meeting. Washburn’s speech, excerpted below, highlights Andover’s values and their impact on his military career.
“At the Naval Academy, there is a saying inculcated from day one: Ship, Shipmate, Self. It took time to fully appreciate this sentiment and recognize its emphasis on something greater than oneself. It started at Andover, continued at the Academy, and lives on each day in the Navy...
“Andover wasn’t just my home – it was home to hundreds of students, athletes, artists, musicians, leaders, faculty, and staff. I had the privilege of watching classes pass like seasons, observing administrators, student government leaders, and team captains. I learned servant leadership from house counselors, coaches, and cluster deans. I learned to follow, and then to lead...
What worthy cause will you devote yourself to? How will you strive valiantly and fail while daring greatly? The world needs your courage, your perseverance, and your commitment to something greater than yourselves. Draw on the lessons of Andover.
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Capt. Washburn ’00 at Memorial Place before his presentation. (Photos by Neil Evans)
“Here, I learned to think creatively and apply intellectual rigor to problems. I learned that meaningful risk-taking, though stressful, is essential for growth. Through roles like team membership and dorm leadership, I learned that leadership extends far beyond what's found in books – it must be lived and embodied...
“Andover taught me the power of maintaining an open mind – listening to different perspectives and appreciating others' contributions. These lessons proved invaluable in military leadership, where trusting your team is paramount, even when you bear ultimate responsibility...
“Andover gave me the tools and instilled a love of lifelong learning. I learned perseverance while on the cross-country course or on the river. I learned life is not a sprint, but a long race...pace yourself. Constantly be introspective and evaluate...
“If you recall, we took a poll when I started about who is a veteran or knows a veteran. Whether you chose to serve in the military or do something larger than yourself, perhaps someone you know who is a veteran inspired you or mentored you along the way...
“I challenge everyone here tonight – veterans, active service members, faculty, and students – to become part of history, to weave yourselves into the fabric that makes this nation great. Veterans, mentor the next generation of leaders. Students and future leaders, seek out those who have walked these paths before you. Learn from their experiences.”
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