'It's all the about the stories.' Scenes from Veterans Day 2022 across Ashland County

Patriotic scenes were playing out across Ashland County on Friday as veterans saluted, flags waved, people said, "thank you," stories were shared and the singing of the national anthem rang out.

From the Mayor's Veterans Day breakfast in Ashland, to a service at American Legion Post 88, to programs at countless county schools and beyond, it was a day to honor those who have served.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, Nov. 11, marks the anniversary of when a temporary cessation of hostilities took effect between Allied nations and Germany that ended World War I in 1918.

The meaning of the day was not lost on students, staff, veterans and community members who assembled in the Hillsdale High School gym to mark the day.

'You do what you need to do'

Brooke Martin, a middle school educational aide at Hillsdale Local, was the keynote speaker for the district's Veterans Day assembly.

Her husband, John Martin, a United States Air Force staff sergeant currently deployed to Turkey, joined part of the ceremony via Facebook. Three of the couple's four daughters — fifth-, seventh- and ninth-grade students — looked on from the front row of the gymnasium.

Their fourth daughter is in kindergarten.

"You do what you need to do," John Martin told the audience of fifth through 12th graders, veterans and family members about his military service.

His appearance on screen was one of many emotional moments of the Veterans Day commemoration, during which Brooke Martin, who graduated from Hillsdale High, described how her understanding of Veterans Day has changed and grown over the years.

She has experienced it on many levels, she said, as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran; the granddaughter of a World War II and a Korean War veteran; and the wife of an airman on active duty.

"We live in a constant state of gratitude," she said, learning "the meaning of sacrifice and what it costs the individual."

Different stages of her life expanded what the day means to her; and as respect for military service grew, so, too, did a sense of responsibility.

How to honor a veteran: Fly the flag, say thank you

A video tribute created by the high school video production class featured veterans Dan Bicker and George Gilmore.

Asked how veterans can best be honored, Bicker said, "Fly the American flag."

He also encouraged the practice of thanking veterans for their service. "That does mean a lot."

"It's all about the stories," said Kyle Wissel, Hillsdale High School American history teacher, encouraging about 75 veterans in attendance to tell theirs as a way to make their experiences more personal and understandable for students.

The purpose of the day was two-fold, said high school Principal Alan Keesee. First, to pay honor and tribute to guest veterans whose sacrifices "keep America where it is — a great country."

The day is also designed to educate students about sacrifices of those who serve.

"This day is more than the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," Brooke Martin said.

It's not just on that commemorative day when it should be observed, she said. "It's every day."

The program included the presentation of the colors by Jeromesville Boy Scout Troop 521, a patriotic performance by the Hillsdale High School band and choir, recognition of veterans in each branch of service, a moment of silence and the playing of taps.

Boy Scout Lance Tucker, a Hillsdale High junior, led the Pledge of Allegiance. At a table providing resources for veterans, Tucker offered information on his Eagle Scout project — a veterans memorial he is working on for the athletic entrance of the new Hillsdale kindergarten through 12th-grade building.

It will be a bronze battle cross on a stone base with stepping stones engraved with the seal of each branch of the military. It will also incorporate plaques bearing inspirational quotes.

Also on hand was Tim Chandler to raise awareness of veteran suicides — 22 per day — through Silent Watch, an organization dedicated to making available an injection (stellate ganglion block) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Goody bags filled with items ranging from stress balls to gift coupons were distributed, and breakfast was served by students.

Scarlett Raines, media center specialist and adviser for the History Club and the Kindness Club, said the district builds on the Veterans Day assembly each year.

"They're worth it," said Raines, whose father is Gilmore, one of the speakers on the student video.

The annual event is very much appreciated, said Joe Lance of Ashland who served in the Air Force in Okinawa as a jet mechanic from 1956 to 1960.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Flags, salutes, thanks-How Ashland County recognized Veterans Day 2022