The residents of the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham didn't just give Ralph Hall a warm welcome Tuesday because he is a U.S. Congressman.  They did it because he is one of their own.  Hall was a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier pilot in World War II.

Congressman Hall was in Bonham on Wednesday to celebrate Veterans Day with the other veterans and their wives that reside at the state-run veterans home named after a WW II hero that grew up in Dodd City, Texas: Lt. Clyde "Sparky" Cosper. 

Lt. Cosper was piloting a B-17 over England 66 years ago when a severe downdraft from a thunderstorm sent the bomber plummeting towards the earth.  Cosper ordered his men to parachute to safety and then he fought to keep the burning aircraft aloft until it cleared the town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, England, before the four-engine "Flying Fortress" exploded in a field.

It was just one of 4,750 B-17s lost in combat, but, just like any family that pays the ultimate sacrifice, this was one crash the Cosper family could never forget.  And a grateful state remembered, too, when it came time to name the state veterans home in Bonham.

Kevin Miller welcomed the large crowd to Bonham for the solemn observance on Wednesday, November 11, a day set aside nationwide to remember all U.S. veterans.  Congressman Hall entertained the crowd with witty commentary as guest speaker.  Hall, only the fourth representative the 4th District has sent to Washington, D.C. since the District was formed in 1903, has served as U.S. Representative since 1980.

The memorable Veterans Day Ceremony at Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home that included a pinning ceremony by the Patriot Guard and a flag retirement ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 911. 

For additional information on Texas State Veterans Homes — Where Honor Lives — call 800-252-VETS (800-252-8387) or visit our Web site at www.texasveterans.com.  

All photos by Carroll Burgoon