| Clarence
Wassmuth is honored
Clarence Wassmuth was presented Senator Crapo’s 2011 Spirit of Freedom Award at the Veteran’s Day Service at the  Idaho
State Veteran’s Home in Lewiston on November 11th. He is one
of seven Veterans in the State of Idaho to receive this award this year.
His wife, Rita, his children, a few grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
and some friends were in attendance. What an honor this was for our
Dad! Here is the biography that was read at the awards ceremony:
Throughout his life, Clarence Wassmuth has demonstrated a commitment to family, hard work and our country. He was born in Greencreek, Idaho in 1918 into a family of twelve children. He attended school through the eighth grade, and then went to work with his father and brothers on the family farm. In 1942, Clarence joined the U.S. Army, and he served for three years during World War II in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and other locations in Europe. His service awards include a European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. After returning from service, he began working in a sawmill in Grangeville, ID. He later married Rita Wessels, and this year they celebrated sixty-two years of marriage. During their marriage, they purchased and worked their farm near Ferdinand, ID and raised eleven children, while Clarence also worked at the mill and as a carpenter. Clarence sold the farm to his eldest son, and during his retirement, continued to make fine cabinetry for his children. He loves to visit and tell stories. Clarence is admired by many, including his family that includes thirty-six grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren (with another expected in January 2012), as a man who has worked hard to take care of his family and protect our freedoms. It is an honor to recognize Clarence’s lifetime of accomplishments through the 2011 Spirit of Freedom Award. From Senator Crapo’s website: “Idaho has a long and proud military history. Our veterans and volunteers have served in every branch of the military and in organizations from veterans' homes to the VA Medical Center. In all of their efforts, they have demonstrated the spirit, tenacity and sense of self-sacrifice that are integral to our Idaho character. The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award is a small way that we can acknowledge their contributions and let others in the community know the sacrifices they have made to secure the freedom we all hold dear.” http://crapo.senate.gov/idaho/sof/sof_home.cfm. |
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