Frank Ohl choir honors veterans in song
Katelynn Carson (right) wore her American pride on her shirt during the Veteran’s Day presentation, with friend Alexis Foracre close by.
Justin Neff (left) was proud to lead the crowd, as well as music teacher Dan Forsberg (right) and the fifth-grade choir, in the Pledge of Allegiance.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Sgt. Bob Barko (left) had a few moments to reflect on his time in the military and his great respect for veterans, as principal Dennis Rice(center) and Dan Forsberg (right) listened respectfully.
Principal Dennis Rice assisted the fifth-grade choir during its version of Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind” by playing his guitar.
By SARAH FOOR
“This day is not about glorifying war,” Frank Ohl principal Dennis Rice said as he began the school’s 57th annual Veteran’s Day presentation Nov. 11. “It’s about honoring the sacrifices made for our freedom.”
To honor the veterans of the Mahoning Valley and beyond, Frank Ohl’s students and faculty planned a morning of thoughtful reflection and warm celebrations of American pride.
Frank Ohl’s fifth-grade choir, led by music teacher Dan Forsberg, sang traditional selections like “America” but also included songs like Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” The students of the choir also learned the songs of each branch of military service, and sang them as veterans or relatives of veterans were asked to stand.
A selection of fifth-grade students shared family stories of veterans and also read “The Poem of the Unknown Soldier” and “On Flander’s Field.”
Air Force Sgt. Bob Barko was then asked to reflect on the meaning of Veteran’s Day.
“We honor our veterans with statues and monuments, and these concrete and metal creations stand ever vigilant to remind us of those who served before us and those who serve today. The meaning of these honors is simple — thank you. Now and forever,” he said.