Bay Village Community Band concert plays tributes to veterans
Fred Green, left, commander of VFW Post 9693, presents Jake Schock with the French government’s Legion of Honor medal for his service during World War II.
Patriotic songs played and veterans were honored during the Veterans Day Concert at Bay Middle School on Nov. 6. This annual concert has become a tradition for many area veterans and their families as they are honored for their service to our country and to hear rousing renditions of classic patriotic songs and marches.
As a special part of the program, Fred Green, commander of VFW Post 9693, presented Jake Schock with the Legion of Honor medal (the highest medal award that can be presented to a non-Frenchman) for his outstanding service in the Battle of the Bulge, during which he was wounded by machine gun fire.
U.S. veterans who risked their lives during World War II while fighting in French territory may be awarded this distinction. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Accepting the medal, Jake said: “Some people say we are heroes. I don’t believe that. I think we are survivors. The heroes are the guys that never came back.”