On November 11, 2021, Ohio Northern University observed Veterans Day with wreath laying ceremonies and a special outdoor Chapel service. The event was held at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, the hour when guns fell silent on World War I battlefields.
In wind-swept ceremonies near Main St., the Color Guard of Ream-McElroy VFW Post 9381 of Ada Posted the Colors and Dr. Adriane Thompson Bradshaw sang the National Anthem. Cole Mefford, President of the ONU Veterans Organization introduced speaker Chaplain (Colonel) Dan Burris, State Chaplain for the National Guard of Ohio.
Burris spoke about how when he enlisted at age 22, he hoped that his service would mean that his children would not have to serve. He imagined that the students gathered at the event were looking forward to the freedoms if not the responsibilities of adulthood. And he asked them, “What will you do with your gift of freedom?”
A moment of silence was observed after the laying of wreaths by Ada mayor David Retterer and ONU President Dan DiBiasio. The program also included prayers by ONU Chaplain David MacDonald and the reading of Psalm 91 by student Chrissy Kurilec. Music performed was “Healing is in Your Hands” by a student ensemble, “Alleluia” by the University Singers and “Taps” by members of the ONU marching band.
