A resident who identified himself as a former head football coach at Martin County High School said students’ participation in a recent remembrance event showed community unity and helped younger people “live a part of history.”

“It’s a chance for all of us to to really unite in the sense of, when we are faced with adversity as a nation all getting together,” the resident said. He said he “was actually the head football coach at Martin County High School” when the original event occurred and that seeing students take part was meaningful.

The speaker credited Walt Schombach, identified in the remarks as “the old ROTC,” with urging teachers to bring classes to see the event. “He came in and said, coach, you gotta bring your class in here,” the resident said. The speaker also described himself as a former Marine and said, “Being a former marine, it means everything, to see the kids show this kind of spirit and, the community get behind it.”

The speaker said he believes the event took place “Monday or Tuesday,” but did not give a specific date. His remarks were made during the meeting’s public-comment portion and were personal recollections and reflections rather than a formal board action.

No motions or votes were recorded in connection with the speaker’s comments.