by Greg Mullinax
Special to The Leaven
BUCYRUS — The cafeteria at Queen of the Holy Rosary School here was transformed into a sea of American flags to honor veterans and their families on Nov. 5 ahead of Veterans Day.
Around 55 military personnel and their guests were treated a BBQ brisket lunch, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly #3068.
This marked the sixth annual collaboration between the school and the Knights.
Seventh graders delivered lunch to the guests. At least one eighth grader sat at each table to hear the stories of service and assist the veterans during the meal.
Under the direction of Darcie Orr, the school choir rounded out the afternoon with two patriotic songs. Randy Newcomer sang the national anthem, and Father Ron Livojevich blessed the meal.
Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Greg Goode of the VFW in nearby Louisburg delivered the keynote address, speaking about the importance of an informed moral conscience.
While nearly all tables were filled, one was noticeably empty. The “Missing Man” or “Fallen Comrade” table sat vacant as a prominent reminder of those who gave their lives for their country.
A red, white and blue quilt donated by the Queen of the Holy Rosary Quilters was up for raffle, and Father Livojevich, a Navy veteran himself, joked that he planned to draw his own ticket as he reached into the jar.
And then he did exactly that.
“Oh no, I could never!” he joked, quickly drawing another name, and the quilt found a home.
