Coshocton High School holds military appreciation ceremony
Coshocton High School hosted a veteran’s recognition ceremony between the junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball games on Jan. 29. Jen Jones | Beacon
COSHOCTON – On Tuesday, Jan. 29, Coshocton High School held its first Military Appreciation Ceremony between the junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball games.
CHS Athletic Director Tim Fortney said that the Ohio High School Athletic Association has encouraged all high schools to hold a ceremony recognizing local veterans. “This is just an outstanding thing to do – to say thank you to everyone who has served in the military. I’ve had several family members in the military and my son in interested in joining.”
“The military has done a great job of providing young adults with opportunities that will help them in life. Lots of good things can come from the military. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has served.”
Jim Barstow, from the Coshocton County Veterans’ Council, said a few words during the ceremony and the Coshocton Color Guard presented our flag.
“I think it means a lot to the veterans to get positive recognition from the community. They didn’t always get positive words when they came home and some still feel that. It’s very important for kids to see the different ages and backgrounds of our local veterans. It’s important for them to look at us and see role models. I hope this has a positive influence on them,” said Barstow.
Howard Dansby served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 – 1973. He has served in the honor guard for two years and in the color guard for a year. “This is a way to recognize and thank the veterans who came before me and who we have lost. It feels good to be a veteran and to give thanks to others. It’s my way of giving back.”
Brad Collmar, captain of the color guard, said, “A lot of students that are going into the military do their basic training between their junior and senior years of high school. This is a great way for them to see that we are still serving our community. The American Legion’s motto is “Veterans Still Serving America.”
Collmar served in the United States Army from 1981 – 1995. He has been the captain of the color guard for two years, but has been part of it for 20 years.
Category: High School, Sports
