LIMA — From wreath-laying ceremonies to musical performances, Allen County residents celebrated Veterans Day in a variety of ways Wednesday.
At Heritage Elementary School, kindergartners through fourth-graders began the day with a program titled “Veterans: The Pride of America.”
Students sang patriotic songs such as “I Love My Country” and “Thank a Vet,” and read essays they wrote about what Veterans Day means to them. Andrew Caprella, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, spoke to students about the importance of the holiday.
Third-graders at South Science and Technology Magnet School also heard from a military member during their Veterans Day celebration. Staff Sgt. Travis Parker, a recruiter in the Dayton area, spoke to South teacher Jim Parker’s class. Travis Parker is Jim Parker’s younger brother.
Schools were not the only organizations to honor veterans. American Legion Post 96, which is based in Lima, celebrated Veterans Day for the 97th time.
“We’ve been doing it here for 97 years, and we’re going to do it for 97 more years so that veterans who have paid the ultimate price will never be forgotten,” said Larry Huffman, America Legion Post 96 adjutant.
Huffman said the highlight of every Veterans Day program is a wreath-laying ceremony where local military and nonmilitary organizations and families of fallen soldiers place a wreath near a white casket that represents those who died serving their country.
“We figure there’s no better way to honor veterans than to honor those who have given their life,” Huffman said.
The event’s keynote speaker was Sgt. 1st Class De’borah Woodley, a U.S. Army retiree and Lima native. Woodley served 34 years in the Army and earned more than 15 medals throughout her career.
During her speech, Woodley reflected on the meaning of Veterans Day and urged audience members to thank a veteran.
“Each year, Veterans Day is a day we strive to ensure our service members understand how deeply we appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe,” Woodley said. “I ask you to share your thoughts, your thanks and your reflections to those who have served our country.”
Other Veterans Day events from the Lima/Allen County area:
•Crestview middle and high school students participated in a variety of service projects, such as creating care packages, making blankets, and baking cookies for military members.
•Ohio Northern University held a wreath-laying ceremony and the University Singers performed patriotic songs. John Phillip Lomax, ONU professor of history, spoke about how military service is a core characteristic of America citizenship.
•Allen East students presented colors, read original poetry, and performed patriotic songs.
•A ceremony was held at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center’s Veterans Freedom Flag Monument.
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