Orange High School American Flag Raising
Ceremony
1st National Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Reunion Activity
On Friday, 22-Aug-2008 at 5:40PM the new Orange High School received from the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Litsinberger Chapter #68 of Central Ohio, as a gift, a 12' x 18' American Flag for their new 60’ flag pole donated by The Ohio State University. The Orange High School participated in the Orange Middle School Living History Day Tour during the VBOB National Reunion on Friday, 12-Sep-2008 by providing use of their auditorium.
Facilty Director and Richard H. Wheeler
Orange Township Fire Department
Stadium Scoreboard
Old Glory Flying
This night was the first football game for 2008; Richard Wheeler, President of Litsinberger Chapter #68, and Wife, Katherine, stayed until halftime to watch the game after the Flag Raising Ceremony.
This interesting incident took place at this halftime. As Richard and Katherine were watching the field area of marching bands, they had a young visitor, a boy approximately 7-9 years old. On this occasion Richard was wearing his combat jump suit, a reproduction from WWII.
This young boy looked at Richard and stated "my grandfather was in your war and now has gone to Heaven" and pointed up. The young boy was leaning against the rail running the length of the front of the bleachers where Richard and Katherine were sitting in front.
The young boy had a lisping speech and both Richard and Katherine were paying very close to what was being said. He was within an arm's reach of Richard and looking very closely at Richard's jump suit. Richard believes the boy had been watching him, and knew from his presence and talk that he had had permission from his parents to come down and talk with this military man in uniform about his grandpa.
Now before this boy came to talk, a young man had come and talked about his father. Not a coincidence, Richard believes this young man was the father of the young boy. As the young boy talked to Richard and Katherine, he told the story of his grandfather in the military in the War and went to Heaven, up there, pointing. As the boy spoke Richard needed to respond to him so he'd understand. The young boy had spoken a number of times of his grandfather going to Heaven and pointing up. Richard wondered about his name, age, and school grade, but never asked.
Richard spoke, "When you get as old as your grandfather and go up to Heaven (Richard pointed up), you'll see him." After saying this, the young boy stopped talking and just looked at Richard. After a few minutes he said. "It was nice talking to you." And he walked away.
It has been 3 months at this writing, since the evening football game/Flag Presentation, and the visit from a 7-9 year old young boy. Richard wonders if he'll remember what was said to him by a Paratrooper or will there be a time that Richard and Katherine will have the chance to meet again to speak of his grandfather.
In closing: This day had been a full busy day. Thank you, Jesus.
Richard Hugh Wheeler
"B" Bty 460th Prcht FA Bn of 517th Prcht Inf Combat Team
AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY
November 12, 2008