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Hermann Betscher, since 1985 Chairman
of the Heimatverein Leutershausen (Local History Society) and also
of the Historical Flight Research Committee Gustav Weisskopf (HFRC-GW)
together with Matthias Lechner, who since 1985 is Vice Chairman of
the HFRC-GW, have worked - jointly with the museum team - for many
years in an honorary capacity and on a voluntary basis with great dedication
in Leutershausen's Aviation Pioneer Gustav Weisskopf Museum and in
the Museum of Local History. Under their leadership the museum grew
and expanded continuously through diligence and care. Without all this
honorary and voluntary work the City of Leutershausen would be in no
position to present the public such an extensive museum with all its
many departments.
Hermann Betscher and Matthias Lechner, as the Chairmen of the HFRC-GW,
were decisively involved, that the public attention again was focused
on the Leutershausen born Aviation Pioneer Gustave Whitehead, who on
August 14, 1901 achieved the first motorized flight in the history
of mankind. With the building of a replica of Gustave Whitehead's flying
machine No. 21 and its successful flight the HFRC-GW was able to contribute
significantly to the historical ascertainment of the truth about Gustave
Whitehead. Therefore the City of Leutershausen took the occasion of
the 100th anniversary of the first motorized flight on August 14, 2001
to award to both Mr Betscher and Mr Lechner, each the Medal for Notable
Contribution to the Gustav-Weisskopf-Research.
Hermann Betscher shows his love for his home town additionally with
a Collection of "Leitersheiser Gschichdli" (amusing accounts);
two booklets already have been published. Further he publishes the
home-newspaper "Die Brücke" (The Bridge). As chairman
of the Local Historical Society of Leutershausen Mr Betscher promotes
the collection and exhibition of display items in the museum. Hence
ensuring that the regional history and its literature is being preserved
for the contemporary and the future generations.
With his excellent knowledge of English Matthias Lechner has, for many
years, been acting as an "Ambassador" for the City of Leutershausen
through correspondence with people and institutions in the USA regarding
the Whitehead Research. Further-more he interprets at official functions
for the City and Church. As the contact man, he works on deepening
the German-American friendship, for the partnership between Leutershausen
and the US-Army (2-1 Avn Regt) at Katterbach. Mr Lechner has been able
to repeatedly apply his knowledge in graphic design, which he had acquired
in his profession as a printer (he set up a printery in Papua-New-Guinea).
He was able to use this knowledge whenever it was required for the
designing of leaflets, labels, certificates, posters, letterheads,
calling cards etc. for the City of Leutershausen, the Local Historical
Society and the HFRC-GW.
Both Mr Betscher and Mr Lechner have rendered outstanding services
to their home-town. The City of Leutershausen congratulates them to
the Award of the Federal Service Medal. |
