Veterans feted at Austintown Fitch
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AUSTINTOWN – Fitch High School students joined the public Wednesday morning for a Veterans Day service to honor those who have worn the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force.
Damon LaRiviere of D and R Audio & Entertainment controlled the sound and lighting. The Army veteran described Fitch as "the most patriotic school around. They really care about their veterans."
Fitch choir director Bill Klein agreed, saying they have a tradition going back to former choir director Rosemarie Kascher of honoring veterans and helping students "understand a little about what 'Thank you for your service' really means."
After the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and singing of the national anthem, the veterans in the audience were recognized and asked to stand based on the time period they served. Retired Air Force Col. Kevin Riley then introduced the guest speaker.
Bill Johnson spent 27 years in the Air Force, worked in the private sector, was a U.S. Representative for 13 years and is now the president of Youngstown State University.
Johnson said the military "grew me up fast." It taught him that "freedom isn't free but is paid for by blood and sacrifice." He noted that while 1.3 million Americans have died in military operations, only 7% have served.
Johnson said everyone who enlists takes an oath to defend the Constitution, which includes the ultimate sacrifice. He referred to a speech given by Lieutenant General and former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly about Jonathan Hale and Jordan Haerter, two Marines who stood their ground against an oncoming truck full of explosives. A security camera documents their final six seconds as "they never stepped back or even shifted their weight" and saved the lives of 150 people at the cost of their own.
Following the speech, the Fitch choir as well as the band, directed by Jeremy McClain, performed patriotic music, including the themes of the six branches of the military, accompanied by each flag.
Vietnam veteran Tony Viano of Boardman has attended Fitch's Veterans Day service several times. He said he enjoyed the speech and the music, and said Fitch "makes us veterans feel at home."
Army veteran Jennifer Grimm said she takes a day off work every year to be at the event. She has more reason now as her daughter Lauren and son Dylan are both in the choir.
For sophomore Dylan, this was his first time and he said it was "an amazing experience." Lauren and Dylan agreed that hearing individual stories of sacrifice helped them realize what it means to serve.
Austintown resident Diane Koch admitted the service brought a tear to her eye. She was reminded of a verse in the New Testament book of Matthew: "Well done, good and faithful servant."