 Pete’s List of Excellence in History and Government
On July 12, 2001, Governor Bob Taft signed
into law legislation enabling our Ohio World War II veterans to receive their
high school diplomas. Governor Taft said, "When duty called, these
proud Ohioans put aside their educational aspirations and put their
lives on the line so that future generations
would have the chance to live in peace and freedom.
Pete (as he likes to be called) attended
Cincinnati City Schools for most of his childhood. His mother passed
away when he was four years old, leaving him and his older brother in the
care of his father. His father was a railroad worker with long stretches
away from home. So, Pete and his brother were taken care of by neighbors
or other relatives in the Greater Cincinnati area who made sure they went
to school and had room and board.
World War II broke out for the United States
on December 7th, 1941. It was Pete’s plan to join the Navy.
He was disappointed to learn he was colorblind and because he could not differentiate
among the flag colors, the Navy rejected him. But, he was determined
to join the military, so he lied about his age and registered for the draft. At
age 17, he was drafted into the Army. Pete left Cincinnati on a bus for
boot camp with $1.00 in his pocket that he borrowed from the family he was
living with. No one saw him off.
He served in the 99th Infantry and fought
at many historical places during the Battle of the Bulge, including the
Ardennes Forest. His was among the first infantry units to cross
at the Ramagen Bridge. After 18 months in the service, he received
his Honorable Discharge from the Army and returned to the Greater Cincinnati
area.
Raymond (Pete) Peters was one of the veterans
recognized by Lakota School District, receiving his high school diploma
in May of 2002 for his 75th birthday in a special celebration with his
family. Within a month after receiving his diploma, Pete passed away.
Now, to honor his life’s achievements,
the Nixon-Peters Family Fund of The Community Foundation has created Pete’s
List, an annual award to recognize two Lakota High Seniors, one from West
and one from East, who have excelled in History and Government. This
gift will help these young people get a better start on achieving their
higher education. Recipients receive a $250 scholarship.
|
