Howard Downing Honored for His Service

ZANESVILLE, OH – A veteran was honored posthumously for his service to our Country at the Barn today.

As a part of WHIZ’s annual Military Salute Photo contest, 12 veterans were chosen to receive a flag in honor of their time in the military.

Howard Downing was in the Navy serving as a Seaman on the USS Baltimore from 1950 to 1954.

Lisa Burkhart, who accepted the flag on her uncle’s behalf, says she submitted Downing’s photo because she felt it was important to share, not only what her uncle did for this Country, but all the other veterans as well.

“It’s a real honor because, that way, I can get it to his family, his sons still alive, so I’m going to give it to his family and make sure that they have something to remember him by.” Burkart said. “He was a very, very great man. He was my favorite uncle, I didn’t get to see him that much because he lived in Massachusetts, but he was my favorite uncle. Every time he came to visit I spent a lot of time with him.”

Jim Watson, the Owner of the Barn and Veteran, says this was an amazing opportunity to recognize a fellow veteran.

Watson says it’s important to continue to honor the sacrifices from those who came before us.

“As a Veteran, for me, it’s very important to be able to recognize the service of people who have made our country great.” Watson said. “They were out in these wars and different things that really made America what it is today, so to be able to recognize their service and being able to recognize them for being veterans is very important to us down here.”

The three by five flag Burkart received was manufactured in Coshocton County at the Annin Flag Company.