L.T. Ball hosts Veterans Parade, Memorial Service

Students at L.T. Ball Intermediate School hosted their annual Veterans Parade on Friday, Nov. 7, following a special Veterans Day Memorial Service sponsored by members of Tippecanoe Masonic Lodge #174.

L.T. Ball students lined the sidewalks surrounding the school building during the Veterans' Parade, displaying signs and banners to thank local veterans for their service. Veterans from all branches of the armed forces attended the parade, despite freezing rain that caused the Memorial Service ceremony to be held in the L.T. Ball gymnasium instead of its planned location at the Veterans Memorial Park on Hyatt Street.

“Veterans Day is a time of gratitude; a moment to pause and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who have worn our nation’s uniform,” Army Veteran Bryan Wilson said during the ceremony. “Today, we remember not only those who served in times of war, but also those who stood ready in times of peace.”

“We recognize the families who have shared the burden of sacrifice, and we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Wilson said. “Let us redeem our promise not to forget their sacrifice, and to continue striving for the peace and unity they fought to protect.”

Featuring members of the Tipp City American Legion and guest speaker Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Jason Gelhar, the Memorial Service also included a musical salute to all veterans and a presentation of the flag by students from L.T. Ball.

“Members of the military commit to something larger than themselves,” Gelhar said. “They protect their nation and people, often at great risk. They put their lives on hold, and sometimes in danger, to defend freedom and security, both here and abroad.”

“The armed forces are built on unity,” he said. “People from different backgrounds, working together to reach a common goal.”

“People from all walks of life come together in the military,” Gelhar said. “It doesn’t matter what our belief system is. It’s something that really helped shape me; to understand that everybody can be very different and still come together to reach a goal.”

Greg Barhorst and his daughter, Ariana, conducted a wreath-placing ceremony, and members of the Tipp City American Legion performed the Retiring of the Colors.

Winners of the 2025 Essay Contest, sponsored by the Tippecanoe Masonic Lodge, were also recognized during the ceremony. First Place winner Lyncoln Kinsey will receive a $100 award, and Second Place winner Anna Carroll will receive a $50 award, both courtesy of the Tippecanoe Masonic Lodge.