ATHENS, Ohio — Community members gathered in Uptown Athens on Wednesday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day parade, followed by a memorial service on Ohio University College Green.
The parade featured various community and veterans groups along with both Athens and Federal Hocking high school marching bands, and the long-awaited return of the OU Marching 110. Students from Morrison-Gordon Elementary also participated, with signs expressing their gratitude towards service members.
A ceremony on College Green followed the parade and included the presentation of a wreath, performances by all three marching bands, remarks from OU alumnus and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Jackson, and a three-volley salute by the Albany VFW Honor Guard.
Members of Ohio University ROTC inspect each other’s uniforms in preparation for the Veterans Day parade held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn. The Ohio University Marching 110 joined this year’s Veterans Day parade after a long absence from the event. Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Leah Nairn. A firefighter waves to the crowd during the Veterans Day parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn. Local elementary schools joined this year’s Veterans Day parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn. The Student Veterans of America throw candy during the Veterans Day parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn.A woman watches as ROTC members march down Court Street during the Veterans Day parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn.A crowd gathered for a veterans memorial service held on College Green at Ohio University, following the Veterans Day parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn. U.S. Airforce retired Lt. Col. Mike Jackson gives remarks during the Veterans Day memorial service, held on College Green at Ohio University, following the parade, held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Athens. Photo by Leah Nairn. Members of the Albany VFW Honor Guard stand at attention during the Veterans Day memorial service, held on College Green at Ohio University. Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Leah Nairn.
With a half-century under her belt, Leah Nairn decided to pivot from a 12-year career in law enforcement to pursue a master’s degree in visual communications and photojournalism through Ohio University. This is not her first trip to Athens, having obtained a bachelors in theater in 1999.
Photography has been a present through her life. In recent years, she combined her work in the criminal justice system with photography, creating “Redemption Through the Lens,” a book highlighting the accomplishments of folks in recovery from addiction.
Leah is also an accomplished musician and avid gardner with a focus on food preservation.
