NEWS

Veterans honored during Galion football game

Staff report

GALION - The Galion High School football team planned to honor veterans Friday night during the team's home football game.

It was the second year for such an event, said Kyle Baughn, the school's athletic director.

"We weren't really doing anything for veterans, so I wanted to do something nice and low key," Baughn said. "One of our board members is an active duty serviceman down at the air force base in Mansfield, and I also have several coaches who work over at the base."

The Galion Athletic Department invited all area veterans to the school's football game against River Valley to enter the game for free. The veterans also could bring along one guest for free. 

A ceremony included all veterans in attendance being recognized prior to kickoff. Although they weren't required to, the school asked veterans to join the band on the field near the flagpole during the playing of the national anthem.

"It's just a quick thank-you for service we could never thank enough," Baughn said.

Each veteran attending received a pass from the Galion Athletic Booster Club for use at the concession stand. One of the seniors on the football team also put together a dessert area for the veterans as part of his senior project.

Although only about 20 veterans attended last year's event, the school was expecting more this year.

"We're pretty much prepared for whatever," Baughn said before the game. "Whoever comes, comes."