In a heartfelt ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, the Logan County Commissioners presented a special flag to Mrs. Maxine Vicario, a distinguished veteran, in honor of her 100th birthday. The flag, which had flown above the Courthouse in July, was given to Vicario as a symbol of gratitude for her service and dedication.
To begin the ceremony, Indian Lake High School Seniors, Daniel Wahl, led the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem.
The event not only recognized Vicario’s significant contributions as a veteran but also celebrated her remarkable milestone of turning 100 years old. The gathering was attended by family, friends, and community members who joined in the festivities and shared in appreciation of Vicario’s service and life.
Vicario, born August 12, 1924. Raised on a dairy farm on Route 31, six miles south of Mt. Victory, Vicario was the seventh of eight children born to Lewis L. and Edna Gregory Wright. A standout student, Vicario graduated with honors from Byhalia School and continued her education at Marion Business College, enrolling in a 6-month course in typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping in May 1942. The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent need for stenographers in Washington, DC, saw Maxine and a friend move to the capital to contribute to the war effort. In 1944, Vicario’s journey took her to the US Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command in Marion, Ohio. There, she specialized in Military Correspondence and learned to fly small aircraft. Her flying skills included stunt flying and delivering supplies, though her plans to join the Women’s Army Corps (WACS) were curtailed by the war’s end. Vicario’s life took another turn when she met John Vicario while living in Bellefontaine. They married on April 12, 1947, and settled on East Lake Avenue in Bellefontaine. Over the years, Vicario worked at Detroit Aluminum and Brass Corp and the New York Central Railroad, reflecting her diverse professional experiences. John, who also worked for the New York Central Railroad and Conrail, retired in 1979. The couple enjoyed 64 years of marriage before John’s passing. Vicario’s life, marked by service, dedication, and family, remains a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment.
The Commissioners expressed their admiration for Vicario’s long-standing commitment and bravery, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the lives and achievements of veterans. The presentation of the flag served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country.
