Ken with a group before the WWI ceremony began, from L-R is Chris Truscott, descendent of Thomas Jefferson, Shannon Lanier, descendent of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, Ken Hechler, Hechler relative Arnold Schnobrich, and Ike Skelton (D-Mo) Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee

April 24, 2009Ex-WVa official Hechler honored for Truman tenure  
The Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – One of West Virginia’s elder statesmen is in line for an award for his tenure with the Truman administration. Ken Hechler is to be honored Friday with the Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative at an event in Missouri. [ Marshfield Cherry Blossom Festival. Full list of events, etc. posted.]The award is given by the town of Marshfield, during its annual festival that attracts the descendants of former presidents and those who served in their administrations.The 94-year-old Hechler was a speechwriter for President Truman. He went on to serve several terms in Congress representing West Virginia and as secretary of state. Other winners of this year’s medal include the surviving brother of Richard Nixon.Hubble was a Marshfield native and prominent astronomer who died in 1953. His namesakes include the Hubble Space Telescope. [ Hubble was one of the founders of modern astronomy, discovering that the universe consisted of many galaxies, not just one. He also discovered that galaxies were moving away from each other. This is called Hubble's Law. He may be compared to Einstein for his influence in modern astronomy and cosmology.]Marshfield story on dedication of WWI Monument. Marshfield newspaper story on Cherry Blossom Festival. WWI Monument story.Story on ceremony in honor of last black man in Marshfield.WWI Monument website. Local TV story on WWI Monument.

Photos of Ken, first in Charleston with his medal and plaque, then on-location in Marshfield.  

 Ken in Charleston with his Hubble Medal

Ken holding his Hubble Award certificate  

Front of the Hubble Medal

 

Back of the Hubble Medal with “Ken Hechler”

 

Ken acknowledging receipt  of  the Hubble Medal of Initiative 

  John Truman (great nephew of Harry S Truman), an attorney in St. Louis, following his 
introduction at the Hubble Dinner and Ken speaking. Neil Johnson, former Archivist for the Truman Library and Truman Impersonator.

   Ken speaking at the dedication of the WWI Monument about Captain Harry Truman and Battery D which he commanded in combat in France.  

WW I costumed reenactor, George Cleveland (grandson of Grover Cleveland), Chris Truscott, Shannon Lanier, Ken, Neva Schroder and  Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) at WW I monument dedication.  2009 honorees from the Hubble Dinner: Ken Hechler, Marie Clinton Bruno, Ed Nixon, Chris Truscott, Heather Berry, Laurie Firestone (Barbara Bush social secretary), Lyon Tyler (John Tyler grandson), Robert Garst and Maggie Peterson Mancuso (Charlene Darling of the  Andy Griffith show).

Ken at WWI Monument dedication

Three panel members for Harry Truman Symposium – from L-R  John Truman, great nephew of Harry Truman, Neil Johnson, former Truman Presidential Library Archivist and Truman Impersonator, and Ken Hechler.

Three panel members from L-R Neil Johnson, former Truman Presidential Library Archivist and Truman Impersonator, John Truman, great nephew of Harry Truman, and Ken Hechler.

Ken signing books at the craft fair at the Marshfield Activity Center on Saturday morning 

 

Ken talking to George Cleveland at the Truman Symposium.  George is the grandson of Grover Cleveland.  George also does Grover Cleveland impersonations.Many photos provided by Arnold Schnobrich (in top photo). Other picts provides by Nicholas Inman and others. Charleston photos by Steve Fesenmaier.

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