Frankfort and Clarksburg honor military heroes

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read
Veterans along with friends and family gathered Tuesday at the Sunroom at the Brick in Frankfort to admire the banners that will hang above the roads this summer honoring veterans from Frankfort and Clarksburg.
Veterans along with friends and family gathered Tuesday at the Sunroom at the Brick in Frankfort to admire the banners that will hang above the roads this summer honoring veterans from Frankfort and Clarksburg.

CHILLICOTHE— Frankfort and Clarksburg are honoring current military members and veterans with Hometown Hero banners that will be displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

A gallery was held Tuesday at the Sunroom at the Brick in Frankfort to allow people to get an up-close view of the double-sided banners before they are hung. Each one features the picture of the service member, when they served and what branch of the military they served in.

More than 120 banners will be displayed across both towns with 92 banners coming from Frankfort and 36 banners coming from Clarksburg. Included are members who served in conflicts as far back as the War of 1812 and the Civil War all the way to those who are currently serving.

Captain C. W. Sheward served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He is honored to be recognized like this after his service. Sheward attended the Air Force Academy before going to war, his father also served in World War II.

"It is pretty humbling," said Sheward. "Never on God's green earth did I think this would happen to me."

Captain Sheward served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He is seen here posing with his banner that will hang over the road in Frankfort.
Captain Sheward served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He is seen here posing with his banner that will hang over the road in Frankfort.

Sgt. Charles Bower served in the army during the Vietnam War. He says being drafted was one of the best things that could have happened to him as it help him turn his life around. He still credits serving his country as being one of the best things he has ever done in his life. Bower is excited to now be honored by his hometown.

"This is one of the most special things," said Bower. "I grew up here and for them to do something like this is unbelievable."

He recalls not being able to wear his uniform at the airport due to the hostility and negativity surrounding the war at the time. Bower is glad to see current service members being recognized for the work they do and hopes to continue helping newer veterans and service members so that they never have to face the hatred and anger that he and many other service members faced after coming home.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Frankfort and Clarksburg honor military heroes