On Friday, Altoona Area High School kicked off its football season defeating Tayler Allerdice High.

 

But before the clock started, six fallen heroes and alumni were honored at the 50-yard-line.

 

The Altoona Area School District, along with the National Guard and local veteran motorcycle organizations came together to say thanks to those servicemen and their families.

 

“Well I think it’s very important that the people in this country are respecting the veterans that did everything for them,” Ira Roudabush of the National Guard said. 

 

The families of the six servicemen walked down the 50-yard-line as they remembered their loved ones who never made it home.

 

Aaron Settlemyer, a  member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, said it’s important that the community pays tribute and “Honor these men that sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.”

 

The theme of gratitude was everywhere right down to the smallest of details, including the coin used in the toss.

 

It was a small symbol of support as Jodi Baum remembered his brother, Ronald Baum, who was killed overseas in 2004.

 

“Some people forget and it’s nice that you know, to show that they graduated from Altoona high …And showing that they’re still remembering the fallen soldiers,” Baum said. 

 

All six veterans lost their lives in either Iraq or Afghanistan and served in various branches.

 

Despite their differences, it was clear that everyone believed that their ultimate sacrifice is what matters most.

 

Baum said it’s a good feeling have so much support from the community.

 

Jodi Baum, brother of fallen hero

“It’s nice to see that the families are all out here supporting each other and seeing that the community is actually behind us and come out and show their support,” Baum said.