BHS' class of 2001 reunion began with a military tribute to remember lives lost to war. "Above all others, I gotta say, that you're the class that answered the call to duty, honor, and country," said Chaplain Karl Funk. "I gotta say class that you epitomize the phrase 'hometown heroes.'"
As the former classmates caught up on what each other have accomplished over the last decade, they paused to remember the sacrifices made by eight brave men.
Jeremiah Baro and his best friend, Jared Hubbard died in 2004 while fighting in Iraq. Airman Nicholas Eischen died in his sleep while serving in Afghanistan. And Brian Piercy died one year ago during Operation Enduring Freedom. All four men are part of this graduating class.
Friends said they answered the call to duty shortly after the 9/11 attacks. "It's a good thing what they were doing for us," said BHS graduate Ryan Anderson.
Four other Buchanan graduates were also remembered. Rowan Walter, Anthony Butterfield and Nathan Hubbard, Jared's brother, died in Iraq. And Matthew Abbate died in Afghanistan.
This was a unique tribute for a high school reunion. But, this group of alumni said Buchanan High has an unparalleled legacy.
"I'm proud to be a Buchanan graduate," said BHS alumna Ashley Tutuoghlu. "I'm proud of all of the soldiers that are fighting today, that have fought, that will fight. I think Buchanan has shown patriotism that not a lot of youth does."
In all, BHS has lost eight former students to the War on Terror, the most out of any other school in California.
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