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William
“Bub” McDaniel’s son Alexander plays Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
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LAAL, LAVFW present patriotic program
Master Sgt.
“Bub” McDaniel, Mom honored for service
By Lyn Bliss
“If a person will stand in battle to insure our freedom, then we should
stand with family and friends to honor them,” said Darke County
Engineer Jim Surber. Surber was one of several speakers giving
recognition in memory of and honor to Master Sergeant William L. “Bub”
McDaniel II.
The event was hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion
(LAAL) Post 140 and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars (LAVFW) Post 7262 to provide an opportunity for McDaniel’s Mother
to be honored by the Gold Star Mothers. Nan Zanowick presented Mrs.
McDaniel with a Gold Star Mother’s Flag. Gold Star Mothers represents
those mothers whose child has died while in military service.
Also present was Gala Stites representing the Blue Star Mothers (those
mothers with children serving in the armed forces). The blue star
represents hope and pride, the gold star represents sacrifice to the
cause of liberty and freedom.
Frankie Sanderson, President of LAAL was the emcee, welcoming everyone
and introducing all speakers and other participants in the program. The
Greenville Honor Guard posted the colors and Ken Preston, Sr. led the
Pledge of Allegiance. Jack Harless offered the invocation.
Amy Erisman, a member of both auxiliary groups hosting the event, gave
a history of the Gold Star Mothers in Greenville. They formed a group
in 1947 and were active until 1978. During that time, they were
responsible for the installation and care of the “Gold Star Mother”
statue at the main entry to the Greenville Park.
“Mrs. Don Hoblitt took care of the statue and the plantings around the
statue for 40 years. In 1997, she turned that duty over to me. The
flowers are to be yellow and pink only – with patriotic touches.”
explained Erisman.
The area around the statue was enlarged when the remodeling of the
nearby street and intersection was done in 2007, resulting in the time
capsule that had been buried near the statue being destroyed.
Patriotic Guard Riders were present to welcome all attendees and to
form a flank to present McDaniel’s parents, William and Sheila with a
special plaque on behalf of their organization and in memory of their
son.
“So in remembrance of this very special day, let all of us in this room
never ever lose the will to keep what so many have fought and died for
on our behalf. That is the living legacy of Bub,” stated Representative
Jim Buchy (OH84- R). Buchy presented McDaniel’s parents with a
commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.
Anita Miller, a Blue Star Mother, presented both of McDaniel’s sons ─
Alexander and William III ─ with an official United States Air Force
coin.
The LAAL and LAVFW had searched for a bagpipe player to join the
ceremonies. The one who generally performs at similar events in the
Greenville area was on vacation. None was to be found. What a surprise
it was when McDaniel’s son Alexander arrived at his grandmother’s home
with a large case holding a bagpipe! He performed Amazing Grace, while
tears were present in a lot of eyes in the audience.
Mary Jane Dietrich, Commander of Disabled American Veterans Unit 57
gave the invocation and the Greenville Honor Guard retired the colors.
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Patriot
Guard Riders flank the stage and present William “Bub” McDaniel’s
parents with a plaque.
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Speakers:
(L to R): Mary Jane Dietrich, Jim Buchy and Jim Surber wait for the
event to begin.
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Greenville
Honor Guard presents the colors at the beginning of the Open House and
Memorial.
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Anita
Miller, Blue Star Mother, presents official United States Air Force
Coins to the sons of William “Bub”
McDaniel. Left is William McDaniel III and right is Alexander McDaniel.
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Nan
Zanowick presented Mrs. Sheila McDaniel with a Gold Star flag and hugs
her in
commemoration of McDaniel’s son William II.
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Ken
Preston Sr., First Vice-commander American Legion Post 140, prepares
to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Frankie
Sanderson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary to American Legion Post
140 welcomes
everyone to the Patriotic Open House and Memorial Event.
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John
Thompson, Past Commander Sons of the Legion Post 140, introduces
speaker Amy Erisman.
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Amy
Erisman, member of both Ladies’ Auxiliary to American Legion and to
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
gives a presentation regarding the history of the Gold Star Mothers in
Greenville.
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Mary
Jane Dietrich, Commander of Disabled American Veteran’s Auxiliary Unit
57 gives the benediction.
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Display
featuring boots and beret of departed service member – used to honor
those who have passed.
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A
display of items and photos commemorating the Gold Star Mothers Group
that was
once in existence in Greenville.
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The
original banner used by the Greenville Gold Star Mothers
displayed during the Open House and Memorial.
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