Speaker Batchelder Releases Statement on Ohio Military Medal of Distinction

Release:

COLUMBUS—Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today joined members of the House and Senate in a joint convention to honor Ohio’s fallen soldiers by awarding them the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction.

Following the conclusion of the joint convention, Speaker Batchelder released the following statement:

“Today I had the great honor of joining Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, Senate President Tom Niehaus, and my colleagues in the Ohio Legislature in presenting the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of those service members who have given their lives in the line of duty. These men and women are modern-day heroes, brave patriots who have sacrificed themselves in defense of our nation and our communities. Although they were unable to join us today, they were alive in our hearts and spirits as we commemorated the legacy they left behind.

“As Speaker of the House, there are many things I have the privilege of participating in while serving in this capacity. But honoring our fallen Ohioans and showing their families that their sacrifices have not been forgotten or taken for granted is truly one of the most humbling. As a veteran myself, paying tribute to these brave individuals and their families is an important honor that is especially close to my heart.”

The Medal of Distinction honor was established by the Legislature in 2009.