Immaculate Conception School students hosted a Veterans Day Assembly at the Ottawa County Courthouse. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

On Nov. 11, students from Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton gathered around the flagpole at the Ottawa County Courthouse to honor local military heroes during a Veterans Day Assembly. They sang songs and read essays celebrating veterans’ service to the country. The event was led by Immaculate Conception music teacher, Greg Fox.

Fox created the event several years ago to not only honor veterans but to also create a connection between veterans and children.

Students read essays about Veterans Day at the assembly. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“I do this to help the kids understand what a veteran is and how important they are to the country,” Fox said. “I want to teach them what the different branches are that protect our country.”

Immaculate Conception Principal Margaret Drew told the crowd that the school wished to honor the brave men and women of the military.

“Veterans Day is a time to recognize the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who have served to protect our way of life,” she said. “We are deeply, deeply grateful for your service.”

ICS Music Teacher Greg Fox helps a student prepare to read an essay about veterans. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Fifth grade students Ava Warnicke, Layla Guerra, Quintin Smith and Trace Warnicke researched Veterans Day and presented essays at the assembly. Ava said their teacher taught them about the holiday, and then they spent two days researching further information and writing their papers. Smith said he was surprised to learn that “there are about 18.6 million veterans in the world.” He was grateful to be a part of the event that celebrated local vets.

“It was an honor to do this,” Smith said.

“It was great and fun,” Trace said.

A student sings during the Veterans Day Assembly. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Honoring veterans in a public setting fits well with Immaculate Conception’s desire to teach compassion and respect alongside math and writing at the school.

“As a Catholic school, we are always striving to create servant leaders. We want to teach them to serve others,” Drew said. “Sometimes you share your faith loudly, and sometimes you share it subtly. This was a way to share our faith.”

ICS Music Teacher Greg Fox has been hosting the Veterans Day Assembly at the Ottawa County Courthouse for years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The students were surrounded by servant leaders as they connected with the veterans around them.

“Your example of bravery and your commitment inspire us all and remind us of the importance of service to others,” Drew said.