Veterans Day is a time to pay special tribute to the courageous military men and women who have answered the call to defend the principles of freedom, liberty and democracy. Originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of the First World War, the day was later changed to Veterans Day to honor all American service members.
Among the millions of American military veterans we honor today is John Moore, Sr. of Dayton. Moore, who heroically served in World War II, was drafted into the Army in 1943. During his time of service he climbed to through the ranks in the 2261st Quartermaster Trucking Company stationed in Bangladesh.
After the war, Moore returned to the Dayton area and where he became the first African-American to serve as chief of personnel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and a member of the Dayton Foundation. Moore’s dedication to service brought great success in helping to start the Montgomery County Job Center, launching a mentoring program and educational scholarships for youth, and serving as a champion for increased diversity and inclusion in the workforce and to businesses that were awarded government contracts.
Earlier this month, Moore was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in honor of his service both in the military and as a leader in the Dayton community. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize the post-military achievements of veterans, like Moore, who continue to contribute to their communities after their military service has ended.
On days like today, it is important for us to recognize and honor the individuals who have used their passion for service to better the communities they have sacrificed to protect.
Ohio is home to over 860,000 veterans, with more than 55,000 residing in Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Darke counties. It is likely that you may know a veteran whether they are a family member, friend, or someone in the community. My colleagues and I in the Ohio Senate will continue to explore new ways to make Ohio a better place for our veterans to live, work and raise a family.
I hope you will join us this Veterans Day, and every day, in honoring Ohio’s military veterans. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude, and we thank them for their service.
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