The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Soldiers discuss wars with students
Twelve wars were represented and shared within the student body and faculty of Elyria Catholic High School.
Twelve wars were represented and shared within the student body and faculty of Elyria Catholic High School, just days before Veterans Day, which is commemorated Nov. 11.
There were 13 men dressed in American combat uniforms who slowly marched into the gym at Elyria Catholic, 725 Gulf Road, on Nov. 9 as the sound of bag pipes played.
Each man, either a U.S. veteran or patriot, had on his own military uniform worn in battle or uniforms representing another veteran’s journey.
They then stood in a line one-by-one and were introduced by the war they either fought in or portrayed with original combat wear, accessories and weapons.
Wars represented were the French Indian War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, SpanishAmerican War, World War I, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism.
World War II and the American Revolutionary War were not represented.
Each war was explained to all in attendance by its duration, notable moments that took place during that time, explanation of the authentic uniform and how living conditions were for the war fighters.
Students and faculty then were able to engage in patriotic songs with the veterans and thank them for their service.
The veterans and patriots are members of FVW Post 3341 in Grafton and belong to a group who regularly present themselves as military men and celebrate all veterans as they remind others of American history, according to John Lescher, head of the group and a 1966 Elyria Catholic graduate.
Lescher was in the Vietnam War and represented the war during the presentation to the school.
His wife, Susan Lescher,
also a 1966 Elyria Catholic graduate, narrated the presentation and shared facts of each war and veteran.
The Leschers were among three other Elyria Catholic graduates who participated in the presentation.
John Lescher said this group of men have shared America’s war history for over 30 years within schools and at parades.
“This, doing this today is what its all about,” he said. “We decided that we can no longer march (in parades) for health reasons, so, we want to concentrate
on things like this and sharing our history.
“People need to hear this. Having them come up to us after and shake our hands, that’s awesome. I saw one girl crying. She understands.
“They get a history lecture of 200 years of wars in 30 minutes. That’s what we like to portray. It’s a labor of love.”
Amy Butler, school president, said this was the first time Elyria Catholic experienced such an impactful presentation about Veterans Day.
“The schools are really where they can make an impact and kids remember,” Butler said.
“I think all of us, as adults, we forget just how many thousands and millions have died for our rights and freedom.”
Principal Suzanne Lester applauded the veterans who took time to share history.
Lester said their services for our country should never be forgotten.
She said the presentation reminded her of football games at Elyria Catholic where the announcer states, “We enjoy freedoms like no other.”
“It’s because of them we enjoy that freedom,” Lester said.