The World Warfare II-era cannon alongside Sugar Avenue in St. Clairsville is wanting so much higher today, due to the efforts of Bethesda resident and Military veteran Robert Flanagan. (Photograph Offered)
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — US Military veteran Robert “Bob” Flanagan is making a mark on the area by restoring some items of navy historical past and doing his half to honor different native veterans.
Most not too long ago, Flanagan restored a 90-mm cannon from 1944 that’s positioned on Sugar Avenue in St. Clairsville.
Flanagan stated that is the fifth cannon he has restored within the Ohio Valley. He usually cleans the cannons and paints them the unique Military inexperienced shade.
Flanagan stated that though he’s not positive if it has seen any wars, the cannon in St. Clairsville had a variety of put on. He estimated that restoring the cannon took about 33 hours.
“It was in dangerous form. Out of all those I’ve finished, this one was a multitude,” he stated.
First he powerwashed the cannon and scraped off the grime and outdated paint earlier than including a contemporary coat of Military inexperienced. Flanagan additionally painted the cement slab it stands on and trimmed the landscaping across the cannon to make it extra seen.
“It is only a enjoyable factor to do. My mother taught me to assist once I can,” he stated.
Flanagan does all the labor for the cannon restorations freed from cost both by himself or with the assistance of different volunteers.
Jackie Pugh, tourism director for Belmont County, received to look at Flanagan in motion.
“I reside close to the cannon on Sugar Avenue, so once I noticed what he was doing I went outdoors and instructed him how nice it appeared,” she stated.
Pugh stated members of the group like Flanagan make her proud to work in Belmont County. “It is so necessary to see group members giving again and volunteering their time to revive landmarks in St. Clairsville and Belmont County. It reveals a stage of affection and dedication to the group,” she stated.
Flanagan beforehand restored two World Warfare II cannons in Bethesda the place he lives — a 90-mm cannon close to the municipal constructing on the Murray Household Memorial Plaza and a 37-mm cannon at Ebenezer Cemetery. He additionally restored a cannon at Memorial Park in Barnesville. Flanagan stated he restored his first cannon eight years in the past.
Flanagan served within the US Military from 1965-67. He additionally served as Bethesda’s mayor from 2000-03. When he’s not restoring cannons, Flanagan is attending the funerals of native veterans, the place he stands at consideration on the cemetery gate whereas the burials happen.
He additionally volunteers by taking part in guitar at native nursing properties. Flanagan has labored as a pilot all through his life as properly.
“I’ve finished all the pieces I’ve wished to do in life,” he stated.