Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park
8005
Cleveland Massillon
Rd.,
Clinton, Ohio 44216
President Harry S Trumen is quoted as saying "Our
debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service our our
country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.
America will never forget their sacrifices. This quote is a perfect
example of why the many volunteers at the Ohio Veterans' Memorial park are
holding a very special dedication at noon on Saturday, August 4, 2012.
The dedication is to honor the currently 304 brave Ohioans that
gave their life in Beirut, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation
Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
The Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park is a 501(c)(3) organization
established in 2006 for the sole purpose of creating a Memorial Park to
commemorate the service and sacrifice of Ohio men and women of the Armed Forces
of the United States. Our mission is to interpret and preserve Ohio's
military history for all generations so they may truly understand the cost of
freedom. The park is to be a source of pride and solace to the families
and comrades of the veterans honored there and to provide an unforgettable
lesson in history to all who visit.
The
Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park is located at 8005 Cleveland Massillon Rd,
Clinton, OH 44216. The parks sits on 2.7 acres of land that was donated
by the Clinton Cemetery. We held our first dedication and ground breaking
ceremony in August 2007. On May 17, 2009 we dedicated the longest
freestanding military monument which is 125 foot long black granite wall
engraved with the names of the 3,095 men and woman who gave their life in
Vietnam. The east side of the wall depicts photos as well as a
description of each of the wars in Ohio's history beginning with the war of
1812 to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. On May 17th
we also unveiled a Gold Star Mother Statue holding a US Flag which sits facing
the names of the 3095 and looks down on the name of Sharon Lane the only female
honored on the wall from Vietnam. On November 13, 2010 we dedicated the
largest POW/MIA pond in the country and on November 11, 2011 we dedicated a
Cobra AH-1F attack Helicopter. In addition to these larger
attractions at the park. When you arrive at the park you will begin your
journey on the main brick walkway. As you continue down the main path
toward the wall, there are individual walkways and a flag to honor each branch
of service. The walkway is paved with engraved bricks; each brick tells a
story about an individual or organization honoring one of our many service
members living and dead.
On
August 4, 2012 the Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park will be holding its 2nd Annual
Concert in the Park and 5K/10K Run. This event is an annual fundraiser to
help pay for, grow and maintain the park. This year the event is being
held to raise approximately $18,000 so we can honor the
currently 304 brave Ohio men and women lost in Beirut, the Gulf War, Operation
Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Day by etching
their name on to the East side of the wall. The 2nd Annual Concert
in the Park includes a car show sponsored by Don Sitts Auto Sales from 10 am -
2 pm and 8 hours of live continues music which will begin at 3:00 pm. The
cost is $10 children 12 and under free.
The
5K/10K registration starts at 6:00 am and the run starts at 7:30 am. Cost
until July 25th is 5K = $20; 10K = $25 and July 26 - race day 5K = $25; 10K =
$30. On-line registration will be accepted until 5:00 pm on August 3rd
at www.rsracingsystems.com.
Runners can also donate an additional $10 to have the name of one of the
304 HEROES added to the back of their race t-shirt.
The
Dedication is free and open to the public and begins at 12:00 pm. There
will be several Gold Star families giving a short speech to honor their son or
daughter. Jason A Domingues the Assistant Director of the Department of
Veteran Services will be joining us and LCPL Mathew Wojtecki a US Marine
and author of "Every Other Four" will be one of the guest speakers.
Some of
the Heroes that will be Honored:
Kevin Kessler 32 of Canton was a Staff Sergeant in the US
Army and was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division.
SSG Kessler died August 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River
Valley, Afghanistan. SSG Kessler was a 1996 graduate of East Canton High
school. SSG Kessler was the husband of Adrian, a son to Kristine &
Rod Williams and Larry & Sue Kessler. SSG Kessler was a brother to
Emily, Laura, and Daniel. Most important SSG Kessler was expecting a
child at the time of his death. SGT Swanberg said “I saw him rise through
the ranks of SPC, SGT, and SSG. I was there for each promotion. HE is the true
definition of a hero. HE was and IS the definition of what an NCO is and what
everyone should strive to be. He was truly a good man, and I, along with many
MANY others, will miss him.”*
Joseph A Bauer 27 of Cincinnati was a SPC of the US Army.
SPC Bauer was
assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd
Field Artillery Regiment, 17th fires brigade died July 24, 2010. SPC
Bauer was the husband of Misty, the son of Roger Bauer and Lynn Bauer, SPC had
five brothers, two sisters, four half sisters, a half brother, a step sister
and a stepFamily members described SPC Bauer
as reserved and quiet, focused and determined, but with a big heart.
Marine
Lance Cpl Stacy A Dryden 22 of North Canton died October 19, 2008 while serving
as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl Dryden was a 2004 graduate
of GlenOak High School and is survived by her mother Thea Dryden and father
Ronald "Scott" Dryden and a sister to Jake. Sgt Johnson a
fellow marine has been quotes as saying "She made a difference. She
was the first one to lend a helping hand to those that needed it and comfort
them when they were down."
Senior
Airman Alecia Good 23 of Broadview Heights died February 17, 2006 while serving
as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Senior Airman Good was a 2001
graduate of Brecksville-Broadview Heights Hish School. SrA Good was
survived by her daughter, her partnes Paul and Claire, a twin sister Ashley and
her brother Paul.
Pvt Heath D Warner 19 of the US Marines died on November 22,
2006 in a roadside bombing in Iraq. Pvt Warner attended Canton McKinley
High School and enlisted in the Marines his Senior year. His family said
that Pvt Warner dreamed of going into the military from the time he was 5 and
one of the photo memories they have is of their sone wearing the Army uniform
of his grandfather. Pvt Warner's father describes him as "a selfless
young man" His brother Chandler described Pvt Warner as "his best
friend". Scott Warner the father of Pvt Warner will be speaking
during the dedication ceremony.
Labels: Beirut, Gulf War, Ohio Armed Forces, Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Day
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