Steel Valley School District recognized veterans and their families on Wednesday with a service at the high school.
Scores of veterans and their kin were honored at the Veterans Day event with a variety of tributes, awards and memorials. Veterans and active members of the military, elected officials and students were among those attending the 33rd annual event.
“It touches me because I have a lot of family who are veterans,” said Cindy Firestone, whose husband, Russ, is a teacher at the school.
Firestone, who watched the proceedings from the audience with her father, said her son and daughter-in-law served in the military. She said two members of her extended family lost their lives while serving in the Marines and Navy in recent years.
Charlotte Asmonga of West Homestead was moved by the ceremony as well. She stood when the school's band played the Air Force's official song in honor of her son, John Deffenbaugh, who died in an accident while serving in that branch.
The Rev. Brenda Walker of Homestead Park United Methodist Church said remembering the sacrifices families make when a loved one is serving in the military is an important part of the holiday.
The event did that, offering formal recognition to local families who have had many members serve in the armed forces. A video presentation included photographs of local veterans who served over the course of the past century.
Students Lisa Straub and Ally Snyder read an essay they wrote about local veteran Eugene Khorey, who served in the Philippines during World War II.
U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills, said less than 1 percent of Americans have served in the armed forces.
“Those are the 1 percent we should be grateful for,” Doyle said.
Eric Slagle is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1966, or eslagle@tribweb.com.
