By Nick Miller
O’FALLON – The monthly flag ceremony in downtown saw the O’Fallon Woman’s Club and Cub Scout Pack 94 honor the life and service of Private Philip W. Fritz.
Fritz was born on August 14, 1896, in O’Fallon Township and entered the Army in June, 1918, where he was assigned to the infantry. While on a troop transport ship headed for Liverpool, England, Fritz developed pneumonia. He would later pass away on November 7, 1918, only four days before the end of World War I.
He was initially buried in Everton Cemetery, Liverpool, with full military honors. He was later brought home to be buried at College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 94 raised the flag in Pvt. Frtiz’s honor, while Katherine Rubish sang the National Anthem, and Jack Lloyd played the bugle.
Cub Scout Pack 94 is led by Dan Waford.
Next month, on August 4 at 9 a.m., the Woman’s Club will honor the life of Pvt. Henry Love, World War I.