Veteran's Day was observed Friday at the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center.

One special veteran in particular was honored.

U.S. Marine Sergeant Major Joseph Ellis was killed in action in Iraq on February seventh 2007 by putting himself between a suicide bomber and his fellow marines.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque and shadow box containing Ellis' many medals.

Former Ohio Senate President and U-S Marine Bill Harris was the keynote speaker.

He says as a commander of a Marine unit, there's nothing more difficult than having one of your men killed in combat, and Ellis saved huge numbers of lives by putting himself in front of the suicide bomber. 

The ceremony concluded with the American flag being presented to Ellis' daughter, parents, and siblings.

Joseph Ellis spent his junior and senior years in the drafting program at the Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, and graduated in 1984.