From staff reports
The Clarion County Wall of Honor, a salute to Clarion County’s military veterans, recently opened for public review at the county administration building at 330 Main St. in Clarion.
The display centers around a seven-photograph collection of World War I veteran and Knox-area resident James L. Amsler and his six sons, who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Surrounding the Amsler collection are 10 other photographs of Clarion County military service veterans.
Clarion County Commissioners Ted Tharan, Wayne Brosius and Ed Heasley approved the creation of the Wall of Honor earlier this year, citing the importance of recognizing the service and sacrifice of the county’s military service veterans.
Tharan said Tom Amsler, who is one of James L. Amlser’s sons, approached him at an American Legion meeting in Knox to tell him that he had photos of his father, five brothers and himself, all in uniform. “He asked if there was a place in the courthouse they could be displayed and that planted the idea in my mind for a Wall of Honor that could include all of our veterans.”
Tharan said he brought the idea to Brosius and Heasley, who were quickly on board with the plan.
Photos for the Wall of Honor are still being accepted.
Photos of veterans to be included must be printed at 5-inch-by-7-inch size, framed and dropped off at the Clarion County Veterans Affairs office, at 330 Main St. in Clarion, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A form including the name of the veteran, hometown, the veteran’s dates of service and the branch of the military in which they served must be provided, along with a telephone number to contact if more information is needed. Forms are available at the Veterans Affairs Office or on the Clarion County website.
The photos and frames become property of Clarion County and will not be returned.
Display of the photos is at the discretion of the board of commissioners. Photos may be rotated from building to building and/or placed in storage from time to time based on space availability.
The Clarion County Office of Veterans Affairs can be reached at (814) 226-4000, Ext. 2601.