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Steubenville observes Veterans Day

STEUBENVILLE – A cold, chilly wind didn’t stop the military veterans and their families from giving thanks to those who served their country.

“We need to stand by our veterans and to thank our veterans 365 days a year. Let us stand by them and say thank you, thank you, thank you,” declared Steubenville Mayor Domenick Mucci in his welcoming remarks.

The AMVETS Post 275 of Wintersville presented Judy Bratten and Jerry Barilla of the Historic Fort Steuben an American flag that flew over the fort.

“The flag was replaced on Vietnam Veterans Day. The flag case was handcrafted from Virginia pine by AMVETS Post 275, 1st Vice Commander Matz Malone of Wellsburg. It is our hope this token of our gratitude will find a place at the Historic Fort Steuben. We hope it will always exemplify the spirit of mutual friendship, community pride and love of country that our organizations have created in this beautiful place, This has been presented for the outstanding support of the fort for the veterans’ programs that have been conducted at the Historic Fort Steuben for the Steubenville community over the years,” declared AMVETS Post 275 Commander Dan Wilson.

Featured speaker Richard Stobbs recognized the safety personnel who have served the Steubenville area including the six Steubenville police officers who died in the line of duty.

Stobbs served as Belmont County sheriff for four years and 11 years in federal service. He currently works for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine as law enforcement liaison in the Crime Victims Section.

Stobbs served in the U.S. Army for two years in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

He received several awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

According to Bill Demjan, Stobbs was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2011.

“There is a lot of stuff going on in Washington, D.C. For the first time in years they actually shut down a federal monument. So I would like to quote from the famous humorists Will Rogers who told us, ‘the only difference between death and taxes is death doesn’t get worse every time the Congress meets,” said Stobbs.

“This is a great community and you are great people in Steubenville. Always remember that,” Stobbs added.

After the traditional laying of the wreaths at the fort’s flagpole, the gun salute by the Honor Guard and the playing of taps by Linda Lancia, the small crowd quietly returned to their cars.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com)

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