555 Honors Detachment: June 2015

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Saturday, June 6, 2015

D-Day

Thursday, June 4, 2015

555 Western Reserve National Cemetary for Francis L. Emerick

555 Member Francis L. Elmerick Laid to Rest

Francis H. Elmerick, age 88 of North Canton passed away May 21, 2015. Francis was a retired employee of Ford Motor. During WW II he served in the Merchant Marines in both the Atlantic & Pacific. Francis was a member of the 555 Honors Detachment, Marlboro Volunteers, Catholic War Veterans Post #1325, K of C #554, Stark County Honor Court, a longtime volunteer at Ohio Western Reserve Nation Cemetery and American Legion Post #221. We will greatly miss Francis, his dedication, his example, his patriotism, his love for others, his friendship and his humor. RIP old friend!

When planning for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery's (OWRNC) first burials in June of 2000 the Director sought to provide enhanced military services for deceased veterans by tasking Northern Ohio county veterans groups with rotating one week coverage. Three Wayne County brothers, Lloyd, Arden, and Elton Boyer were concerned about the lack of participation in their county. Elton suggested forming a new Wayne County Veteran Organization just to provide military rites at the National Cemetery. As a result of this discussion the 555th Honors Detachment was born. It is sometimes referred to as "The Triple Nickel". The "5" in the name symbolizes the five military services. The 3 fives are symbolic of the three brothers who proposed the concept. By October 2000 there were 16 names on the unit roster; by January 2007, that number had risen to 84 men and women, all in their service branch uniforms. The Triple Nickel continues to serve at OWRNC and is heavily involved in veteran and patriotic programs and activities throughout the numerous Wayne County communities and schools. (Please check the POSTING on this Blog for the ‘History of the 555th Honors Detachment’ for more details.)