Fulton County Ohio Media

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On Monday morning, in front Veterans and their families, students, faculty and staff, Swanton Local Schools held a Veterans Day celebration at the high school for veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  Swanton senior Haley Frosch served as Master of Ceremonies during the event that included performances by the SHS Show Choir, the SHS Concert Band and Swanton Elementary students.

The poem “As We celebrate Veterans Day” by Marylyn Lott was recited by SES 3^rd Grade students; Ellie Johnson, Fisher Twigg, Penelope Webb and Francis Wetrz.  “What Veterans Day Means to Me” was read by SES 4^th Grade students Avery Smith and Julia Mendenhall.  A Flag Folding Ceremony was conducted by SMS student Kourtney Fulton, Carson Braden and Deegan Bowser.

Delivering a very inspirational speech was Keynote Speaker Joahua Bender, Navy Petty Officer 3^rd Class.  His bio, below, was published in the celebration’s Program.

Joshua Bender proudly served in the United States Navy from 2006 to 2010 as a member of the Navy Seabees, the Navy’s elite construction battalions known for their strength, skill and spirit.  Stationed out of Gulfport, Mississippi, Joshua deployed across the world to Okinawa, Japan; Manila, Philippines and Balad, Iraq.  While serving in Iraq, he was injured in the line of duty, a true testament to his courage and commitment to his country.

During his years of service, Joshua not only helped build bases, airfields and infrastructure vital to military operations —- he also built lifelong bonds of brotherhood and resilience.  His time in the Navy taught him the value of teamwork, perseverance and selfless service —- lessons that continue to shape his life today.

Joshua lives each day with the same drive and determine that defined his time in uniform, striving to embody the Seabee moto: “We Build, We Fight.”  Whether through his career, his community involvement, or the example he sets for others, he continues to build stronger foundations with his heart and unwavering dedication.

After closing remarks by SHS Principal Anthony Menna, TAPS was performed by SHS Band members Serennah Coburn and Charlie Meyer.  The Swanton American Legion Post #479 conducted the Retiring of the Colors to conclude the Day.

Click on the link above to access photos from the celebration. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Joshua Bender, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class