Buckeye West Elementary honors veterans with annual ceremony

Buckeye West Elementary held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10, inviting parents, students and community members to attend the public event honoring local veterans.

Members of Adena Legion Post 525 presented the colors, followed by a welcome from Principal Brian DiCola. Tucker Taylor led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students performed the National Anthem before Adena Legion Commander Dirk Harkins addressed the audience. “I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to speak here today,” Harkins said. “All the men and women in this room represent all the others across the country, those who have sacrificed their lives. It cannot be purchased; it has been earned through blood, sweat and tears, and they will wear it forever—the title of veteran.”

Harkins invited all veterans to stand for a round of applause, expressing his appreciation for their service. “I want to thank all of you for your service,” he said. “That’s what brings us here today—to celebrate and honor our veterans. I always get super excited to come to places like this and talk to our youth.”

He also highlighted the legion’s youth-focused activities, including Flag Day programs and collecting donations for disaster relief and local veterans. Emphasizing American values such as hard work, patriotism and helping others, Harkins encouraged the students to carry those values forward. “Instill this patriotism in others,” he said. “It’s a crazy world out there, and we need to help each other.”

Harkins spoke about the dedication of veterans who served in dangerous places around the world, noting that their loyalty, integrity and sense of duty help keep the nation safe. “We owe them some gratitude and respect,” he said.

To conclude the ceremony, Legion volunteers performed a three-gun volley and taps before retiring the colors.