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The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Committee
has notified Commander Roy Terry of
American Legion Post 457 in Sunbury of the
selection of Post 457 member Robert W.
Burr for induction into this group of
outstanding Veterans. The Class of 2011
induction ceremony will take place on
Veteran's Day, November 11, 2011, at the
Veteran's Memorial Coliseum on West Broad
Street in Columbus, Ohio.
Burr will join five previous inductees
from Delaware County since the program
began 19 years ago. Governor George V.
Voinovich created the Ohio Veterans Hall
of Fame in 1992 to demonstrate his concern
for Ohio Veterans returning home due to
military downsizing as a result of the end
of the Cold War. The selection panel
recognizes the contributions and
post-military achievements of veterans in
the civilian workplace, as well as their
military service.
Robert W. Burr served in the Korean
Conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart
for wounds he received during the battle
of Heartbreak Ridge in 1951. Burr was
honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank
of Master Sergeant. After coming home he
became active in several military
organizations including the VFW, serving
as Commander, AMVETS, Military Order of
The Purple Heart, where he served as State
Commander, and the American Legion,
presently serving Post 457 as Chaplin.
Robert was the driving force behind the
erection of a Purple Heart Memorial at the
site of The Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial in
Sunbury. After being advised the space for
the monument was available, but the funds
were not, Burr started a fundraising
campaign and in less than six weeks he
raised the funds and had the large granite
monument on order. His leadership was once
again put to use in Oak Grove Cemetery in
Delaware where 15 Civil War Veterans were
buried with only a small stone engraved
"colored soldiers from old graveyard".
Burr formed a committee and completely
renovated and landscaped that area. He
raised funds to erect a more fitting
marker to these brave soldiers.
Burr has been a very active member of
the Delaware County Veterans Association
since it was formed many years ago. This
group of local Veterans provide graveside
Military Honors for deceased Veterans of
Delaware County. Robert serves as Honor
Guard Capitan in the DCVA.
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