Veterans honored at Holy Cross Academy in Ross

David Graver posed with his 1943 Willys MB Jeep at a Veterans Day parade held Nov. 8 at the Holy Cross Academy campus in Ross.

The McCandless resident proudly showed off his antique wartime warrior on wheels. This event was an important moment for Graver, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army and during the Vietnam era.

“I’ve never felt this way before, very emotional,” Graver said.

Prior to the parade, he and other local veterans were honored at a Mass celebrated at St. Sebastian’s Church, located on school’s campus on Siebert Road.

Student flag bearers, including Alexandria Sipusic, 13, led a line of vehicles driven by military men and women.

She was happy to march in the parade as she remembered her grandfather who was a veteran and has since passed away.

“This is meaningful to me,” said the Kennedy Township resident.

Parade participant Todd Ferguson of Washington, Pa., served in the Navy and Marines.

“I would do it again,” he said.

Kelsey Kulifay, in eighth grade at Holy Cross, said it’s important to honor veterans with events like these.

“They are the reason we are free and the reason why our country is strong,” said Kulifay, who lives in McCandless.