ASHLAND – Community Stadium was blanketed in red, white and blue Friday night.
Prior to Ashland High School’s Week 4 football game against visiting New Philadelphia, the school honored local military members, veterans, law enforcement agents and first responders.
The event has become an annual tradition for the Arrows during one of their home games, and Friday’s rendition took on extra meaning, as it came on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Prior to kickoff, and with Ashland High School graduate Dan Chandler on the public address microphone, three paratroopers landed on the stadium turf.
A collection of local policemen and firefighters also walked up the six aisles of the stadium bleachers during a moment of silence in which first responders were honored.
“Tonight, we honor (the September 11, 2001, first responders),” Chandler said. “As we observe a moment of silence, please watch as members of our local fire and police departments climb these stadium stairs – a tribute to the stairs so many first responders climbed that morning and never came back down.
“We will never forget the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call and the courage shown that day. Thank you to the first responders joining us tonight and to all who serve our community.”
The crowd followed that poignant silence with a standing ovation.
Among other things, there also were flag-themed clothing sales and ‘Military Night’ T-shirts near the stadium entrance.
Fittingly, the Ashland student section also was decked out in red, white and blue.
The Arrows will return home in Week 6 on Sept. 25 when they host Madison for Homecoming.
