Cleveland Honors Veterans with Powerful Tributes in Schools and Stores

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Communities across Northeast Ohio observed Veterans Day on Tuesday with meaningful displays of remembrance and gratitude, as public institutions, local schools, and businesses took visible steps to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In several Cleveland-area Meijer grocery stores, a “Missing Man Table” stood prominently, offering shoppers a solemn reminder of service members who never returned home. Set up near the produce section, the table featured powerful symbols: a single red rose tied with ribbon, a Bible, an inverted drinking glass, a plate with a lemon slice and pinch of salt on bread, and a framed explanation titled “Missing Man Table.” Each item represented an aspect of the sacrifice made by prisoners of war and those missing in action; the lemon symbolizing their bitter fate, the salt the tears of waiting families, the empty chair their absence.

The framed placard explained the tradition, a standard ceremonial remembrance seen at military events and memorials. By placing the display in a public commercial space, Meijer joined a broader community effort to recognize Veterans Day outside of traditional settings.

Schools across Greater Cleveland also marked the day with ceremonies and educational activities designed to instill respect and awareness in younger generations. American flags lined the driveways of several elementary and high schools, while gymnasiums were transformed into venues for veteran recognition programs. Local veterans were invited to attend or be honored, and students participated through songs, readings, and presentations about the history and significance of the holiday.

Districts including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District integrated Veterans Day into classroom discussions, projects, and assemblies, highlighting themes of service, sacrifice, and national history. Many schools encouraged students to write thank-you letters to veterans, some of which were distributed at local VA hospitals or community events.

In addition to in-school events, public observances took place at city memorials, such as the Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial on Mall A, where residents laid wreaths, held moments of silence, and raised flags in tribute. Veterans organizations partnered with city leaders to host respectful gatherings across neighborhoods, often attended by both older veterans and younger community members.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Ohio is home to more than 700,000 veterans. In Cleveland and surrounding communities, the 2025 observance of Veterans Day reflected a growing civic commitment to honoring that population through both symbolic gestures and educational efforts.

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