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Monday, September 9, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting at the High School, Professional Development Room
(Adjacent the Media Center Room)
Ron Shadrach (’75), provides interesting details that led up to the White House Medal of Honor Presentation this past July.Our September meeting will feature Alumni guest speaker Ron Shadrach ’75, who was invited to attend the recent Medal of Honor Award Ceremony on July 3, 2024, at the White House honoring Ron’s ancestor, Pvt. Philip G. Shadrach. Pvt. George D. Wilson, was also honored at the same time.
On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Stanton awarded the first Medals of Honor to members of the Andrews Raid that had been repatriated to the United States in a prisoner of war exchange. It occurred following deposition of the excursion behind enemy lines to capture Chattanooga in what has become known as the Great Locomotive Chase before Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt of the United States Army. The award ceremony was completed with a visit and discussion with President Abraham Lincoln. At the time that Secretary of War Stanton awarded those first medals he declared that as they become known, all men of the party shall receive this award. However, at that time, Private Wilson and Private Shadrach continued to be overlooked to the present day even though 2008 legislation had authorized the President to make the award. Attendees at the meeting will learn about this piece of history and how it has been corrected through the efforts of Ron.
We look forward to Ron’s presentation and hope to see you at the meeting Monday, September 9, 7:00 p.m.
The IHS Alumni Breakfast in the Park is an annual event held the Sunday of Homedays weekend from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at Elmwood Park Kiwanis Pavilion. All are welcome to attend. Bring family and friends. Reacquaint with old school chums and review the offering of gift baskets to be raffled. This casual event has become an annual class gathering point and reunion social. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Advance sales guarantees a reservation. A limited number of tickets will be available the day of the event. Contact Bob Wagner (’66), via Email goawagner@aol.com.
Russell Fortlage was born in Independence and has remained an Independence resident his entire life. He was a member of the first-ever Independence kindergarten class, held in Historic Hall, which at that time also housed the Council Chambers and City Jail! Russ attended first grade through senior year of high school in the old brick school building on Brecksville Road (now demolished) across from St. Michael Church. As a senior, Russ was elected president of his class as well as Student Council President. School policy did not allow one person to serve in both positions, so a classmate took on the Student Council leadership role. …Read More Russell Fortlage 2024 Recipient of the Diploma of Distinction
