Joseph Caserta, U.S. Army, was a tank driver in some of the fiercest World War II battles in Europe, and his bravery earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and countless other medals and honors. William Cruice, U.S. Air Force, was a veteran of the wars in Korea and Vietnam and a founder of the American Legion Post 524 in Ocean City. James 'J.R.' Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps, received two Purple Hearts and the Presidencial Unit Citation for his heroism in the Vietnam War. These three decorated veterans from Ocean City were regular attendees of the flag-raising ceremony held there each summer morning.