Correspondent photo / Sean Barron The Struthers High School marching band plays its rendition of “God Bless America” during a Veterans Day ceremony Friday in the school gym. In the foreground twirling the flags are, from left, Brianna Day, Carley Johnston and Adriana Bonini.

STRUTHERS – Leigh Ann Zigler would like to see her message for young people ring loud and clear on Veterans Day and beyond.

“I wish the younger generation would show more respect and know that what veterans did for us was a sacrifice, and we appreciate everything they do,” Zigler, of Brookfield, said.

To show her respect, Zigler, who also is part of Struthers-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3538’s auxiliary, placed a wreath next to the podium that had been set up for Friday’s Veterans Day program in the Struthers High School gym.

Former Struthers City Schools Superintendent Sandra J. DiBacco served as master of ceremonies.

Young people can do their part to honor those who served the country and the sacrifices they made merely by visiting veterans who fought in the Vietnam War and elsewhere, as well as talking to them and better grasping and appreciating what they endured, Zigler explained.

The somber 45-minute program is normally held outdoors on school property, but was moved inside because of inclement weather.

Veterans’ sacrifices in defending the nation’s sacred freedoms are part of the reason many young people can enjoy high school football games and countless other activities, Zigler continued.

The guest speaker was Michael Curtis, a 1986 Struthers High graduate who served 22 years in the military, including in the Marines.

Curtis, who was stationed at Parris Island, S.C., and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, praised local veterans for “continuing to be shining examples” to residents and fellow veterans.

“We must continue to honor our veterans and respect their service,” said Curtis, who also graduated in 1991 from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in community health.

The longtime serviceman added that one of the most important aspects of his military career was support from family, friends and others.

Curtis also was part of the 1998 Operation Joint Guard, set up to support and keep the peace in Bosnia.

DiBacco said that, despite continued sharp political and other divisions in the U.S., it must be remembered that “we are all Americans,” with rights that many veterans fought to preserve. In addition, she urged attendees to thank those they see in uniform for their service to the nation.

Also at the program, the Struthers High marching band performed several patriotic songs that included its rendition of “God Bless America.”

In addition, the students played one song each that represented the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force, as veterans from each branch stood to be recognized.

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