Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Ken David of Girard holds up a photograph of him receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor from former President Joe Biden on Jan. 3. David spoke Friday to middle schoolers at St. Rose School in Girard about his military experiences. David was one of only three Ohio veterans to receive the nation’s highest military honor and the only one still alive.

GIRARD — Ken David, Girard’s own Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, stood before an assembly of sixth through eighth graders at St. Rose Catholic School Friday afternoon with his weathered Vietnam War uniform displayed beside him.

The 75-year-old veteran, honored by former U.S. President Joe Biden on Jan. 3 for his 1970 heroism, shared vivid tales of sacrifice and resilience, urging the students to honor veterans and never surrender their dreams.

David, one of only three Ohioans to receive the nation’s highest military honor and the state’s sole living recipient, spoke at an assembly that blended patriotism and personal reflection.

The event began with an opening prayer by the Rev. John Chrysostom Kozlowski, OP, JCD, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by David. The St. Rose School choir, directed by Nathan Zunic, performed “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”

David ended the day joined by National Junior Honor Society students in raising a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. The flag was a gift from Congressman David Joyce, R-Bainbridge, in honor of the eighth-graders’ recent trip to Washington, D.C.

Drafted into the Army in August 1969, David served as a radio-telephone operator with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, earning the Medal of Honor for actions on May 7, 1970, near Fire Support Base Maureen. His Distinguished Service Cross, awarded in 1971, was upgraded in January.

Displaying his 55-year-old uniform and equipment, he said, “It should be in a museum, the uniform, some of the equipment I had.”

David’s message centered on veterans’ sacrifices and perseverance.

“The veterans are out there to have the freedoms we have today and you should not be scared of the veterans and never give up hope about anything,” he said. “That’s why I tell them ‘no’ does not exist in my vocabulary.” He shared “different true life stories to show them that actual things that happened to me could happen to them, and to do the best they can in life and never give up on anything they choose to do, and be strong and faithful to their brothers and sisters.”

Principal Anthony Catale, who organized the visit, talked about the impact.

“We teach history in the classroom, but there’s no greater lesson than having a real-world hero talk about their experience,” he said. “The students were extremely attentive, engaged, and asked great questions.”

David’s storytelling captivated the students, who posed thoughtful questions.

“They were all good questions and they didn’t catch me off guard,” he said. “I just answered them the best I could remember.”

He credited his ability to connect, stating, “You got to speak from the heart. You speak from the heart, people listen.”

Returning to Girard, where he attended the now-demolished Washington School, held special meaning.

“The people I talk to now are mostly the ones in my hometown, which is keeping me pretty busy right now,” he said. “It’s about people around me hearing my story and encouraging them to respect the military and the different situations that the military go through, and try to understand what’s going on. It was a great honor to be here at St. Rose.”

An Eagle Scout and retired York Mahoning Mechanical worker, David remains active in veterans’ organizations, including Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 in Warren. His honors include the Purple Heart with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and induction into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in 2010.

Catale called the event a rare privilege. “We’re fortunate to have a hero of his nature locally,” he said, noting the lasting inspiration David provided the St. Rose students.