By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Local Veterans’ Day festivities came to a close Monday evening with six new members entering the Crawford County Veteran’s Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at Bucyrus High School.
Roger E. Cady (World War II), Steve Huml (World War II), Robert Lee Flohr (World War II), Calvin B. Musselman (World War II), Boyd E. Long (Korea and Vietnam), and David Spence (Vietnam) were inducted as the 2013 Class, joining 33 other veterans with the exclusive honor.
Prior to induction of the veterans, State Representative Jeff McClain spoke to the audience.
“This is my fifth year speaking at this event, and it is one of my favorite things to do as a representative.”
New inductee Calvin Musselman summed up the night.
“It was a great honor,” Musselman said. “In fact I said the only one way it could have been better is if my twin brother had been here with me.”
Musselman, a lifelong resident of Galion, served with his twin brother Blair in World War II in the Pacific Theater serving with the Co E. 35th Inf Reg 25th Division. During his induction Musselman spoke of his service where he and his brother received a bronze and silver star for taking out a Japanese tank during a beach landing.
“It gives me great honor to do this for the citizens of Bucyrus,” Boyd E. Long said during his induction speech. “I enjoyed what I done and I would do it all over again.”
Long served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, enlisting out of high school and retiring in 1970. After retiring from the Navy, Long worked for Bucyrus City Schools, as well as served on the Bratwurst Festival Board of Directors.
During David K. Spence’s brief speech to the crowd he thanked everyone for coming and attending the program.
Spence, who attended Bucyrus High School, served two tours during the Vietnam War earning a Purple Heart award in his first tour. Spence served in the Army for 21 years.
Roger E. Cady’s son Roger Jr. spoke on his father’s behalf.
“I’d like to thank everyone, I wished he were here to receive it himself.”
“I had five brothers who were in the service with three serving at the same time in Vietnam, I am proud of them too,” Cady continued.
Steve Homl’s daughters Sandra and Bonnie accepted on their father’s behalf thanking everyone.
“My dad was a soldier, when he came home it had been the first he had seen me since I was born I was 2 at the time,” Bonnie said.
Homl, a Crestline native who was in the European Theater of World War II, served in the Third Army under General George S. Patton.
Robert Lee Flohr’s Wife Martha accepted the Hall of Fame honor of her late husband.
“Thank you I feel very privileged. This means a lot.”
Flohr moved to Crestline from Inwood, Ind. He served in the Air Force during World War II and flew bombing missions over France, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
Following the induction “Amazing Grace” was played followed by taps and a rifle salute.
Tim Espich, who works in the Department of Veteran Affairs, was the keynote speaker. During his speech Espich spoke what it is like being a veteran, and with his son now serving what it is like to be the family member of someone who is a veteran.
Espich told the crowd, “If you are honored to be able to hear what it was like from a veteran, you should listen.”
A band comprised of the six county schools conducted by Wynford Band Director Carl Copeland played the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as a medley of songs representing each military branch as flags of each service branch were presented.
Bucyrus Mayor Roger Moore spoke to the crowd.
“Today we thank our heroes and thank them for their great valor.”
“Greatness isn’t measured by bank accounts or the how big someone’s house is, it is measured by the actions of ordinary men. County Commissioner Jenny Vermillion said during her speech. “The two words ‘thank you’ seems miniscule.”
After the ceremony many family members as well as audience members congratulated and thanked the six veterans for their service.