Legion Post 178 monuments dedicated

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Many months of planning and work came to fruition on Monday with the unveiling of five new monuments and two new benches at Van Wert American Legion Post 178’s Memorial Park on W. Main St.

A well attended dedication ceremony was held at the park Monday morning, followed by a short Veterans Day service. Monuments for veterans that served in non-conflicts, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan as well as law enforcement, and fire and EMS for all of Van Wert County were unveiled, along with tiles/bricks with names of local veterans.

Post 178 Past Commander Ken Myers noted Memorial Park previously served as a cemetery many decades ago, but was moved to Woodland Cemetery. In 1925, a monument was erected in the southeast corner of the park honoring those who perished in World War I. That monument still stands today. In 1985, a monument was erected to be the focal point honoring World War II, Korean War and Vietnam casualties. He also noted that less than one percent of the population serves in the military.

“Today we are here to honor those men and women who have chosen to serve in the ranks but even more so to honor those who are often the forgotten – those being our first responders, law enforcement, corrections officers, 911 dispatchers, as well as our firefighters and EMTs,” he said. “These men and women are our first line of defense.”

Due to a death in the family, U.S. Congressman Bob Latta was unable to attend but his representative, David Wirst, presented Legion officials with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol, and State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) delivered brief remarks praising law enforcement, first responders and members of the military past and present.

“Waking up at two in the morning to respond to an accident or a fire, to be part of a community where we respect law enforcement, where we hold in esteem first responders and the firemen – it’s quite humbling to be a part of that community. Klopfenstein said. “As we look at the turmoil in the world today, we can’t help but be thankful for the men and women who have served and are serving to maintain peace in this world and give us the opportunity to be blessed by the freedoms that we have been given.”

Monday’s dedication ceremony also included a wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute and taps. Lunch was provided after the ceremony and the Veterans Day ceremony.

Plans to add the new monuments were first announced in July, 2022, and funds were raised for the project.

“It’s kind of emtional seeing it finally complete,” Myers said. “It was overwhelming at times but today it shows hard work pays off.”

Tiles/bricks are still available for purchase. The cost of a 4×8 brick is $100 and a paver is $350. Both include personalized text. An order form can be found on Legion Post 178’s Facebook page.