Red, White, and Blue Pride Fills Ashland’s Community Stadium at 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Game
ASHLAND — Patriotism soared high above Ashland on Friday, September 19th, as Community Stadium became a sea of red, white, and blue for the Second Annual Military Veterans Appreciation Night.
From the opening notes of the national anthem to the final whistle of an Arrows victory, the night celebrated veterans, active-duty service members, and future men and women in uniform.
Skydivers Bring Flags from the Heavens
The crowd roared as the buzz of an aircraft circled overhead. Suddenly, three jumpers from Aerohio Skydiving pierced the evening sky, each descending with a powerful symbol in tow.
Randy Carrico landed first, carrying the game ball in a breathtaking entrance.
Andrew Butcher followed, proudly flying the black-and-white POW/MIA flag in honor of those still unaccounted for.
Finally, Justin Travis touched down at midfield with the American flag, landing to the thunderous sound of “God Bless the USA.”
All three parachutists floated under red, white, and blue, landing one by one at the 50-yard line as the stadium erupted in cheers.
Oath of Service at the North end stadium.
For the second year in a row, Ashland witnessed a life-changing moment for a student stepping into military service. Isla McFrederick, a senior, raised her right hand and took her Oath of Enlistment into the Air National Guard in front of a packed stadium.
Her oath, administered by a military officer who traveled from out of town to be present, mirrored last year’s ceremony for Ashland’s Hayden DiPuccio. Both moments have already become traditions woven into Ashland’s Friday night lights.
Honoring Veterans on the Field and in the Stands
The Ashland Arrows Marching Band played the anthems of each branch of the U.S. military, inviting veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard veterans rose to applause, saluted, and were saluted in return.
Before kickoff, nearly 25 veterans walked to midfield, where they were honored for their service. Meanwhile, 100 large American flags waved proudly as the football team stormed the field, each player carrying a flag to highlight the night’s theme of unity and sacrifice.
Inside the community room, veterans and their families were treated to free pizza, hot dogs, cookies, popcorn, and candy—a small gesture of gratitude for their years of service. Veterans from both Ashland and Dover joined together in fellowship, embodying the spirit of camaraderie the event was built upon.
Ashland Superintendent Steve Paramore praised the event’s impact:
“It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen at Community Stadium. The skydivers, the flags, the veterans—it was all incredible. To top it off, we had an Arrows win. You can’t beat that.”
He also noted the importance of timing. September 19th was not only Military Appreciation Night but also National POW/MIA Recognition Day, adding another layer of meaning as the POW/MIA flag descended from the skies.
Organizer Megan Steffen, whose son, Hayden, took his oath of service at last year’s game, said the program is growing each year. This year’s event also included a fundraiser selling military appreciation T-shirts. The proceeds will provide official graduation sashes for students entering the military, allowing Ashland seniors who choose to serve to wear their branch colors with pride at commencement.
And plans are already underway for next year—on the 25th anniversary of 9/11—promising an even larger and more emotional tribute.
In Ashland, football and patriotism walked hand-in-hand Friday night, reminding all in attendance that freedom isn’t free, and honoring those who make sure the Friday night lights keep shining bright.
