Oscar Asher Thomas, who died in 1993, served in the Army during World War I. His grandson, Gary Thomas, pledged to get an Army marker, flag and military burial rites for him. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — A World War I veteran has received the recognition he deserved through the efforts of his grandson.

Gary Thomas, 64, of Lower Salem, learned his grandfather, Oscar Asher Thomas, was buried in 1993 without military rites and without a flag draped over his coffin and pledged over his grave to right the wrong.

“That didn’t fly with me,” Thomas said.

Oscar Thomas served during WWI with CO. L of the 112th Infantry 28th Division and the National Guard. He was buried in Newport Cemetery.

Thomas contacted veterans service officers in Washington County, including Jared Smith and the staff at the Washington County Veterans Services.

The marker for Oscar Asher Thomas that was obtained by his grandson, Gary Thomas. Thomas died 30 years ago without military honors. The marker was installed in June. (Photo Provided)

While the military rites were performed in August 2021 by the VFW Post 5108 in Marietta, the U.S. Army bronze marker was installed in June of this year, Thomas said. Thomas, who said he also has a flag, started the process about a year ago.

“Now I know he has the respect and dignity he deserved,” Thomas said. “I don’t have the words to express what this meant to me.”