October 27, 2011
All gave some; some gave all!
Public Library’s 57th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration, November 11, at the Main Library
W
estern Hills resident and Korean War veteran Howard Osterkamp will join those distinguished veterans who have shared the powerful and poignant stories of their military experiences as keynote speaker for the Main Library’s 57th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration, Friday, November 11, 10:45 a.m., in the Atrium of the Main Library (800 Vine Street, downtown). The program will also feature patriotic music performed by the Walnut Hills High School Choir, a color guard, presentation of memorial wreaths by veterans groups, lighting the Flame of Remembrance, and Taps. All are invited to attend.
About Korean War Veteran Howard Osterkamp
During the Korean War, Howard Osterkamp spent nine straight months on the front lines near the 38th parallel in the Heartbreak Ridge and Punchbowl areas. Not only was his 5th Regimental Combat Team under constant attack, but it was also contending with temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees in the summer and as low as 40 degrees below zero in winter. He was wounded in the leg by shrapnel in September 1952. Although his leg was broken in two places, doctors misdiagnosed the injury as a bruise and sent him back to the front lines the same day, where he spent the next four months.
About Veterans Day at the Main Library
Veterans Day holds a special meaning for the Main Library. When the building opened in 1954, it was dedicated as a War Memorial to honor the servicemen and servicewomen from Hamilton County who gave their lives for our country since World War I.
At this year’s Veterans Day Commemoration, the Library will dedicate Volume II of the book, Homage to Those Who Gave Their Lives to Keep Us Free. The original “Book of Homage” listed military personnel from Hamilton County who died in service to their country in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Volume II will follow the same format as the first edition, introducing each conflict with a quote and listing the names, ranks, and branches of service of the deceased. Like Volume I, the 19 x 13 ½ inch book will be bound in goatskin with the Great Seal embossed on the cover. Digital version(s) will be available the Virtual Library,
PHOTO CAPTION: Mr. Osterkamp, Western Hills resident and past Department of Ohio Commander–Military Order of the Purple Heart, will give the keynote remarks for the 57th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration, Friday, November 11, at 10:45 a.m., in the Atrium of the Main Library (800 Vine Street, downtown).