Veterans Day Celebrated in Lorain City Schools

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Submitted by: MAJ (R) Dennis P. Marshall

When the lights dimmed in the Lorain High School auditorium Friday morning, silence fell over the room as five members of Lorain High School’s Army JROTC Titan Battalion performed the very poignant Table of Honor Ceremony.

In keeping with tradition, a bell tolled at 11 AM — at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year. The bell ringing honored the celebration that occurred on Armistice Day in 1918, signaling the end of World War I, and has become synonymous with Veterans Day celebrations.

November 11 marks a special day in Lorain City Schools. It is the day we join millions around the country in honoring the men and women who have served in our mighty military, a collective force that firmly and proudly protects freedom and democracy here and abroad.

Veterans Day is not just another day in our buildings because it celebrates the bravest among us.

Cadet Maj. Hana Pruitt addressed those not sitting in the performing arts center.

“In our presence, today are the fortunate ones; they are the survivors. They were among those that were given the chance to come home to their family and friends,” she said.

Cadet First Sgt. Constance Mosier then led the last roll call, recognizing three individuals from Lorain never to return home: Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes, Army Sgt. Bruce Horner and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. David Hall.

All three were killed in action.

Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony was organized entirely by the Titan Battalion’s students.

The goal, Cadet Maj. Adrian Montanez, was to recognize those who have served, and those lost in the line of duty — giving students a chance to pay their respects and honor local veterans.

To all veterans of Lorain and beyond, we thank you for your service. We thank you for showing our students what it means to have patriotism and the willingness to sacrifice for something bigger than self.