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11/12/2009 3:33 AM

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By Dawn Goodman, Staff writer, dgoodman@observer-reporter.com

This article has been read 511 times.

Dave Ellis was almost in tears as he watched Washington High School students honor veterans Wednesday.

The Army veteran and Wash High alum said it was the first time he had come to the event at the school. He said it was great to see the school honor veterans.

"I really appreciate it," said Ellis, who recently moved back to the area. "I was really blessed to be here."

The ceremony started with the high school band playing "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and U.S. Air Force veteran Doug Greer playing the bagpipes.

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Benjamin Marasco, sophomore class president, welcomed the veterans to the event.

He described them as true American heroes.

"We are the home of the free because of you, the brave," Marasco said.

William Boardley, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said no one disdains war more than a warrior.

"They do it, quite frankly, because this is the greatest country on Earth and they want to keep it that way," said Boardley, guest speaker for the event.

Boardley urged the Wash High audience to join the military or support the troops. Support, he said, includes making sure they are properly funded, manned, trained and equipped.

He then reflected on the veterans in the audience.

"Our country owes you a great debt of gratitude," he said.

At the end of the ceremony, the veterans lined up so students could shake their hands and thank them for their service. Students didn't have to stand in line, but hundreds did.

Clayton LaPosta, who attended last year, said he wouldn't have missed this year's event. Finally, the Army veteran said, he heard the message, "Thanks."

"It's nice to see them teaching kids to honor veterans," he said. "It's about time. It's nice."

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2 comments

Wash High veterans day : 11/12/2009
I now live in North Carolina, but am proud to say I am an alumnus of Wash High and an Air Force veteran. I wish I could have been there to hear Gen Boardley speak, Bill it has been a long time since 7th Ward and WHS.

Glen Leif WHS class of 1967

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: 11/12/2009
This was a great program! We need to do more things to honor and thank our veterns

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