Hammontree to Portray Eisenhower at Ashland University Veterans Day Event
ASHLAND, Ohio — Veterans, students and community members are invited to honor America’s military service members during a Veterans Day program featuring local historian and historical reenactor Kenneth Hammontree portraying President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Ashland University College Republicans will host the event Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Dauch College of Business and Economics Lecture Hall, 401 College Ave. The program is being held in conjunction with the In a Soldier’s Shoes Foundation and is open to the public.
“This event will be a wonderful opportunity for veterans, students, and community members to come together to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation,” said John Keim, president of the Ashland University College Republicans.
Hammontree’s portrayal will explore Eisenhower’s military service during World War II and his leadership as the nation’s 34th president. The presentation will also encourage attendees to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of American veterans.
In a video invitation with Keim, Hammontree said he plans to discuss military service from the nation’s founding through the wars and conflicts that followed. His remarks will place special emphasis on the closing words of the Declaration of Independence and its pledge of “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
Hammontree connected that pledge to the commitment of generations of veterans who answered the call to defend the United States and its Constitution.
Keim extended a personal invitation to veterans throughout Ashland County and surrounding counties. He said local elected officials are also expected to speak during the program.
Keim, a member of Ashland University’s Class of 2028, majors in journalism and communication with a political science minor. He also co-hosts Early Birds Word on 88.9 WRDL.
The event welcomes veterans, university students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community.
For additional information, contact Keim at jkeim@ashland.edu.
