“This is an annual assembly in the district,” Greenon Superintendent Brad Silvus said. “The goal is to have as many veterans a part of it and to let them know that we appreciate their service and sacrifice.”
RELATED: Veteran’s Day 2017: Restaurants offer deals on meals for veterans
At Greenon, local veterans were invited to the school where the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Color Guard presented the colors and students and staff spoke about the importance of the American military. Students at the end also lined up to shake hands with every veteran in attendance.
At Greenon, and across Clark County, teaching respect for those who served is critical, Silvus said.
“It’s one of the things that we talk about all the time,” he said. “What does it mean to be an American, and we learn about it in school.”
Meeting veterans can have a big impact on students, Silvus said.
READ MORE: Vietnam Veterans Day Parade
“It is different when you realize that you know them, that you live next to them or that you live on the same street,” he said. “They can just talk with kids and share their experience, and it’s all about what this great county is all about.”
The Greenon volleyball team also presented the Dayton Honor Flight with $3,000 it raised for the project earlier this year.
Local veteran Randy Ark was at Northridge School for a Veterans’ breakfast and said it’s important for everyone to honor the veterans.
“There are so many sacrifices that have been made for our country,” he said. “People have volunteered to serve the county and they are willing to go and die for what we believe in.”
READ MORE: Veterans Day at Snowhill Elementary
He said seeing the kids sing and honor the veterans made him feel good.
Ark said he is selling bricks for a memorial walk at Veterans Park near the Springfield Art Museum. Bricks are $100, and anyone who wants more information can get some by visiting the Veterans Park Facebook page.
About the Author