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Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women

News of the Diocese

May 31, 2023

Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women
Incarnate Word Military Day pays tribute to service men, women

Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights continued its 15-year tradition of celebrating Military Day with a prayer service, special ceremonies and a 5-mile walk. IWA invited St. Brendan School in North Olmsted to participate in the event on the IWA campus. Also invited were faculty, staff, parents, IWA alumni, veterans and active duty military personnel. Students in grades 5-8 participated in the event.

IWA has been recognized as a Purple Star School because of its commitment to supporting military families.

(See photo gallery above.)

The program began with an explanation and history of Memorial Day, a national holiday that pays tribute to the service men and women who lost their lives in the service of their country. Those in attendance were invited to look to their left and right, in front of and behind them to see “everyday patriots.”

Stacy Shalala, a grades 6-7 prep teacher who works with students to organize the event, mentioned several IWA students who are everyday patriots, “even though they might not realize it.” She said one student, a Boy Scout, spent his spring break doing service work. Another girl, the daughter of a military mom who is considering a career in the military herself, learned American Sign Language. And another student has a passion for aeronautics.

She said those who supported the Wreaths Across America project that remembers the fallen – including a group of IWA students who were involved with the local effort – also are everyday patriots.

Yet another IWA student is considering a military career and took it upon herself to visit and speck with a recruiting officer.

“Putting America first and contributing to your community are some ways to be everyday patriots,” Shalala told those gathered in the IWA gym for the ceremony.

She also recalled visiting Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. and how sobering it is to see the thousands of graves.

Student members of the Civil Air Patrol explained the 13-fold flag ceremony which takes place at military funerals. Three members of the group demonstrated the ceremony while a fourth explained each step. When finished, the flag resembles a tri-corner hat, which reminds us of those who first fought for our freedoms.

The second ceremony was the POW/MIA table – an empty table that is set in honor of the missing, prisoners of war and those missing in action. The small table is set with a series of symbolic items such as a rose, lemon slice, Bible, inverted glass and an empty chair on which a POW/MIA covering was placed.

Sgt. Mike LaRoche of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Corps Reserve Unit based in Brook Park, addressed the group and shared the story of a Marine who lost his life during World War II when he jumped on a grenade in order to help prevent his fellow soldiers from serious injury or death. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

He also acknowledged a 98-year-old World War II Army veteran who attended the ceremony.

Then he promised they would do something more lighthearted. They discussed the symbolism of the Marine dress uniform colors and then he introduced some fellow Marines who demonstrated some of their physical fitness routines. Several students were chosen to participate in the demonstrations and there was a physical fitness competition that included the Marines, students and Mike Wisnor, IWA president. Winners received giveaways from the Marines.

IWA cheerleaders also did a routine, a there was a musical tribute in honor of the fallen before the group was dismissed for lunch.

After lunch, they gathered in the parking lot and began a 5-mile walk through Parma Heights. The younger IWA students gathered along the driveway holding small American flags and cheered on the walkers as they began their hike along Big Creek Parkway. A Parma Heights police officer accompanied the group.

Julie Onacilla, St. Brendan principal, said they were pleased to be invited to participate in Military Day. St. Brendan and IWA have forged a special relationship, she said. They are sharing some resources and doing some collaboration to strengthen each school. About 60 St. Brendan students participated in the event.

Shalala said IWA students started preparing for Military Day in mid-February. They created signs, banners and paper poppies that students could color. They also invited guests to the event, with about 100 attending, including some Sisters of the Incarnate Word who sponsor the school and live in a convent on the grounds.

"It’s not necessarily a sad event. It’s a celebration of life and it’s important to remember,” Shalala added.

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