Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day The City of Beachwood and the Beachwood Historical Society honored all veterans in a special ceremony at the Beachwood Cemetery on November 8. The cemetery is the final resting place of veterans from seven wars as far back as The Revolutionary War. The ceremony began with the Beachwood Color Guard’s taking its position, followed by Councilmember Alec Isaacson, who presented a proclamation to recognize our veterans and thank them for protecting us, our city and our nation. With nearly 100 people in attendance, they heard veterans Judge Michael Jackson, Al Hirsh, Ptl. Terrill Rodgers and Dan Abraham. Judge Jackson talked about the importance of trust within his unit and the difficulties vets often have when transitioning back into their communities. He also talked about the Veterans Treatment Court and encourages those interested in volunteering to reach out to the VA volunteer office (www.cleveland.va.gov/giving/). Resident Al Hirsh told of his days during the Holocaust, followed by recruitment to serve in Korea, saying how he went from one hell hole to another. Nonetheless, he said he is proud to have served as a medical technician and to be a vet of the U.S. Armed Forces. Beachwood Police Officer Terrill Rodgers spoke about veterans' bravery and sacrifice and how they do things others won't do to protect the land we love. He ended his presentation with a touching poem, “They Did Their Share,” by Joanna Fuchs. Veteran Dan Abraham spoke about basic training and how it helped him overcome fears and become the man he is today. Abraham was honorably discharged in 1990 and called back to serve in Kuwait. He now specializes in mental health services, working with veterans. Additional participants included Dylan Rhoad, who sang “God Bless America,” Wolfpack Battalion ROTC from John Carroll University and Boy Scout Troop 618. Rosemary Nemeth ended the program by saying, “Freedom is not free. Take time to honor the noble and brave. When you see a vet, be sure to thank him.” “Freedom is not free. Take time to honor the noble and brave. When you see a vet, be sure to thank him.” Pictured from top: Alec Isaacson presents proclamation, Judge Michael Jackson, Al Hirsh (with Rosemary Nemeth), Ptl. Terrill Rodgers, Dan Abraham, Beachwood Color Guard and Cadets from Wolfpack Batalion ROTC, John Carroll University. Bottom right, sitting: Morris Finney Jr., Ted Hersh, Al Hersh, Michael Blain and Fred Eisenstadt. Standing: Cdt. Emily Hansen, Cdt. Kevin Coleman, Ptl. Terrill Rodgers, Capt. Gary Haba, Ptl. Ben Bouw, Ptl. Preston LaFrance, Police Chief Keith Winebrenner, Ptl. Matt Pawlak, Dan Abraham, Ptl. Aaron Lieb, Steve Palisin, James Farrell, Tom Kuskin, Al Muhle, Judge Michael Jackson, Burt Siebert, Bill McCartney, Phil O’Neil, Cdt. Gabriel Pecze, Cdt. Brendan Reilly, Cdt. Connor Nemunaitis, Cdt. Zachary Donner and Sgt. Major Carmicle. Councilmember James Pasch, Ptl. Terrill Rodgers, Councilperson-elect Justin Berns, Ptl. Aaron Lieb, Capt. Gary Haba, Ptl. Preston LaFance, Police Chief Keith Winebrenner, Ptl. Matt Pawlak, Ptl. Ben Bouw, Councilmember Martin Horwitz, Councilmember Alec Isaacson. Dylan Rhoad concludes the ceremony by singing “God Bless America.” December 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 15