Benjamin Logan Local Schools held its annual Veterans Day celebration, bringing together students, staff, veterans and community members to recognize those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The program featured several patriotic musical performances, including the high school chorale singing “America the Beautiful,” the fourth-grade choir performing “This Is My Country,” and the seventh- and eighth-grade choirs singing “America, My Home” and “God Bless America.” The high school concert band also performed during the celebration.
The full replay of the program is available to watch for free HERE on PeakofOhioTV.com and on Roku.
Guest speakers included Greta Batton, a 1987 Benjamin Logan graduate, and high school student Oliver Morse. Batton served 26 years in the United States Air Force and currently works as a residential real estate agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. She is also the mother of a son studying commercial aviation at Sinclair College in Dayton.
Logan County Commissioner Greg Fitzpatrick, a 1981 Benjamin Logan graduate, also spoke during the program and recognized the county’s Veteran of the Month for October, Dale Clapsaddle.
Clapsaddle grew up in the East Liberty-Zanesfield area, attended Perry Zane School and graduated from Logan Hills in 1968. He entered the United States Army on October 10, 1969, and was assigned to the 156th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company.
After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced individual training, Clapsaddle attended track maintenance training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was then sent to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he served for 18 months.
Clapsaddle is a member of American Legion Post 599 in Zanesfield. As part of the recognition, he received a flag that flew over the Logan County Courthouse throughout October. His wife, Lynne, sons Josh and Todd, and daughter Jaymie Levan were also in attendance.
High school student speaker Oliver Morse also addressed those in attendance, sharing a personal story about his grandfather and highlighting his family’s connection to military service.
Students participated throughout the celebration by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, sharing patriotic poems and presenting letters and goody bags prepared by the third- and fourth-grade classes through the Middle School Student Government.
The program concluded with recognition of veterans in attendance, the playing of Taps and a flag-folding ceremony, providing students an opportunity to show their appreciation for the men and women who have served the country.
