CLARION, Pa., Nov. 10 – Veterans Day is a reminder of the women and men who have served not only in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but also in every war throughout America’s history.

Clarion University’s ROTC presented a ceremony on Tuesday to honor Ross McGinnis of Knox, who received a Medal of Honor for his service as a Specialist in the U.S. Army. McGinnis died in Iraq, and the award was presented to his parents, Thomas and Ramayne McGinnis of Knox.

While stationed in Baghdad, Ross McGinnis made a split-second decision on Dec. 4, 2006 to use his body as a shield against a grenade that was thrown into his Humvee. In doing so, he saved the lives of four other men. He was 19 years old.

The soldier’s parents, were at the ceremony at Clarion University Tuesday. Under an overcast sky, the ROTC held a color guard ceremony outside Thorn II as Cadet Mike Johnson sang the National Anthem.

A moment of silence was also observed for the victims of the Nov. 5 Fort Hood shooting.
Afterward, ROTC members and the McGinnis’ mustered in Becker Hall, where Frank Misurelli used Ross McGinnis as an example of heroism.

“Ross received the Medal of Honor for risking his own life and going beyond the call of duty,” said Misurelli.
Thomas McGinnis then spoke in front of the room of ROTC cadets and spectators.

“Ross couldn’t sit still in school; he was always on the move,” said McGinnis. “In his yearbook pictures he’s not smiling, but in his Army pictures he’s grinning ear to ear,” he said.

Some ROTC members are currently preparing for active duty, and McGinnis provided some words of wisdom to them.
“You may face more danger in one day, one hour, than I have in my entire life,” said McGinnis. “Everybody who ever wore a uniform is a hero, including those who go to war and come back safely,” he said.

In closing remarks and with moist eyes, McGinnis concluded by saying to the crowd, “Consider your life as a gift. It’s yours to enjoy.”

Misurelli presented the McGinnis’ with a Commanders Coin from the Clarion ROTC unit, as well as the crest and patch.
Johnson, a cadet participating in Tuesday’s ceremony, had known Ross McGinnis personally.

Singing the National Anthem was difficult for Johnson. “It took all of my strength not to cry,” he said. “I was singing for Ross and my grandpa, Corporal Frank Wawrejko who fought in World War II.”

Johnson, who had worked with McGinnis at McDonalds, is now preparing to become a combat document production specialist.

Johnson said he was told the job as a combat cameraman was a needle-in-a-haystack opportunity.

“(Ross) is one of the reasons why I joined,” said Johnson. Another reason is Johnson’s grandfather.

“The last time I was with him alone I said, ‘Grandpa, I’m going to do everything to make you happy.’ For him, and my community,” he said.

Thomas McGinnis was the first to recognize the sacrifices troops must consider.

“They will face challenges I’ve never seen before, more than most of use have ever seen,” said McGinnis.

Tuesday’s ceremony and speech served as more than a tribute to the lives lost; it recognized all troops at home and abroad.

“Veterans Day is meant to show veterans they are a revered class in a classless society, said McGinnis.

“There are about 25 million Americans that I consider better than me because they are veterans.”