Veterans Memorial project continues to seek funding
The Holmes County Veterans Memorial on Glen Drive next to the Holmes County District Public Library will be dedicated to service members who are missing in action, killed in action or were prisoners of war. Fundraising for the next phase of the project, which will include the walls surrounding the monument, is now on.
Holmes County’s veterans have fought the good fight in serving their country.
Now they are in the midst of facing another big challenge, that of erecting a monument in Millersburg that will honor their fellow soldiers and veterans who have served in the Armed Forces.
Once complete, the Holmes County Veterans Memorial on Glen Drive next to the Holmes County District Public Library will be dedicated to service members who are missing in action, killed in action or were prisoners of war.
According to Jim Miller, who is spearheading the effort along with a dedicated group of fellow veterans, this memorial will serve as a monument of gratitude to all of the MIA, KIA and POWs from Holmes County.
While it won’t bring back any of those deceased or missing veterans, it will represent the same causes in representing this country and the sacrifices these veterans made during their time of serving the nation.
“To those who have served, this monument means a great deal to each of us,” Miller said. “But it is so much more. This is a way for our community to rally and honor those who are so deserving of being honored and remembered.”
Currently, the group has worked hard to raise funds that have allowed it to plant a flagpole and erect the circular blocks surrounding the flag. Having something physical to show the public was an important step in the process for the group, but there is still much work to be done for the brick containment wall, monument and a pavilion that will afford both veterans and the public a chance to rest, relax and honor these MIA, KIA and POW veterans.
“Veterans will be able to sit down and reminisce about the old times together and bring their kids and grandkids here,” Miller said. “Plus, it provides everyone with a wonderful place to gather and gives those who have sacrificed the respect they deserve. It’s going to be a special place.”
To date, the fundraising effort has brought in $55,756.08, of which the veterans group has withdrawn $37,223,75 to get the project to where it is today, leaving them with a balance of $18,532.33.
According to Miller, the next step in the project will be the ongoing effort to raise funds to erect the brick walls in front of the memorial and to the library side, which will not only add to its beauty, but also serve to protect it from oncoming traffic.
The wall in front of the monument will be a 43-foot-long wall, 4 feet high with two 5-foot columns. The wall on the library side will be 32 feet long, 3 feet high and have a pair of 4-foot columns.
The group has a pair of price quotes from Hiland Masonry, which will do the work, at $38,286 for the 43-foot wall and $25,600 for the 32-foot wall. Both walls would include footer and block foundations, stone veneer with limestone and cut limestone wall and post caps.
“We’re eager to see this next phase take shape,” Miller said. “This is truly going to reflect well on Holmes County and add to the landscape on Glen Drive.”
While the road ahead is long, Miller said the group remains steadfast in its efforts to see it to completion, and they are grateful to the many in the area who have given and know this community has always exhibited strong support to the veterans of the area.
Anyone interested in supporting the monument project may do so by sending a check or money order to the veterans office at 330-601-4058. Donations can be made to Holmes County Veterans Memorial and sent to the Holmes County Veterans Office, 75 E. Clinton St., Suite 104, Millersburg, OH 44654.
Those donating to the project should note the funds are for the Holmes County Veterans Memorial Fund in the memo line of the check. Miller said the group welcomes any thoughts and ideas from the community on what they’d like to see at the memorial as they work their way through the next phase of the project.