By BRETT R. WHITLING
Staff writer
CLARION – Once in a great while, an everyday person does something so heroic, it changes a countless amount of lives and dedication is owed wherever possible.
Keystone High Scholl graduate Ross A. McGinnis sacrificed his life Dec. 4, 2006, at age 19 during the call of duty in Iraq.
McGinnis saved the lives of four other soldiers’ lives.
Following his death, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by former President George W. Bush as well as the Purple Heart and Silver Star medal.
On Oct. 24, the Knox post office was dedicated to McGinnis.
Around 300 people attended the dedication ceremony held just across the street at the Knox Fire Hall.
The event was comprised of music tributes, speeches, stories of the McGinnis family and a slideshow which told the story of Ross’s life.
The plaque which will be put on the post office, was unveiled by post office representative Jay Phelan and Ross’s parents Thomas and Romayne McGinnis.
Thomas and Romayne were also given a flag which flew over the U.S. Capital on Nov. 11, 2015, in honor of their son.
The renaming of the post office was proposed by U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson and went through a process of being approved by both the U.S. House and Senate.
Mayor of Knox Frank Agnello said, “I think it is great we have the opportunity to honor Ross this way so every person who goes to the post office and sees that sign will remember what he did for others.”