COLUMBUS, Ohio — Veterans Day events recognizing those who have served took place all over central Ohio on Monday. This included a special moment at Columbus Academy.
The school has a long history of former students who have served in the armed forces and they took time Monday morning to honor every single one of them.
The students and staff came together to recognize and honor our nation's heroes with a special ceremony with students and staff.
More than 500 flags were planted in the ground on campus to represent someone who has served our country and went to Columbus Academy.
The academy bell rang 506 times Monday morning to represent all of their alumni and staff members who have served or are currently serving. They also took this time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those in the military.
Katie Jauchius, a senior at the school, said some students also woke up early for a morning workout before school. The U.S. Student Council got retired military members who are also faculty and staff to help lead the group on Hondros Field.
"We did some calisthenics like push-ups and jumping jacks and we ran a mile because people in the military, they have to stay in shape. That's what they do every morning. So for us, it was just to kind of show what it's like to get up even if you don't want to before a full day of work or school," Jauchius said.
While the bell rang, they all showed respect by remaining quiet as they listened.
The head of the school said this time encourages students to see that there are moments in their lives when they need to consider causes greater than themselves.
"It shows, along with the flags, the sheer amount of people that have given up so much for us," Jauchius said.
This Veterans Day tradition started at Columbus Academy in 2015.