Veterans raise the flag for Holmes memorial project
Veterans Jason Pennell and Robert Smith, VFW commander, unfurl the flag and prepare to raise it to its new perch. The ceremony that took place Saturday, June 24 in Millersburg beside the Holmes County District Public Library was a first step in the erection of the monument honoring POW/KIA/MIA service members from Holmes County.
On Saturday, June 24, a large crowd gathered to celebrate the dedication of the flagpole for the eventual Holmes County Veterans Memorial, which will be dedicated to service members who are missing in action, killed in action or were prisoners of war.
The newly installed flagpole marks a step in the right direction for the monument, serving as physical evidence something special is coming soon.
During the ceremony Brandon Irving, director of Holmes County Veterans Services, said rather than present some lengthy speech, this type of honor needed to come from the heart.
“This is a thank you for your service to all of our MIA, KIA and POWs from Holmes County,” Irving said. “This flagpole doesn’t bring back any of our deceased or missing veterans, but over time it is going to represent the same causes in representing this country and the sacrifices these veterans made.”
Irving thanked all who made this project possible and continue to do so as the effort of raising funds and completing the monument continues, and he also represented the many veterans in expressing his thanks to the community for making Holmes County a warm and welcoming place for veterans to reside.
He also thanked the families of veterans Holmes County Veterans Service aids and provides for, noting they play a vital role in the ongoing effort to provide for those who have served their country.
“I can’t give you all enough recognition for your effort,” Irving said.
After Irving shared, the members of the American Legion stood at attention as veterans Jason Pennell and Robert Smith, VFW commander, unfurled the flag and raised it to its new perch.
It was a quiet, somber moment full of tradition and passion for the many service veterans in attendance. Following the ceremony, many of the veterans and other local officials milled around and chatted about the monument and what it will mean to the community and to veterans.
“We’ve gained ground quicker than I could have ever imagined,” committee member Pennell said. “If you had told me that we would have had a flag up and a dedication service by June, I wouldn’t have believed it would happen.”
He said the committee has gone to great lengths to do things the right way, and in doing so, they have taken their time to make sure every detail is covered.
“This comes from the heart,” Pennell said. “It’s about a lot of people coming together and putting their hearts into something special.”
Project manager Jim Miller said initially five veterans got together and talked about the idea of the monument. They met again this past February, and things got serious.
“Veterans needed something like this to show our appreciation,” Miller said. “This is a community thing, and we want it to be special for everyone to celebrate our POWs and MIAs as well as those who serve and have served our country. This monument is we and not I.”
With the flagpole and flag now up and lit at night, phase one continues, with the monument being next up for completion. That includes a wall around the monument dedicated to MIA/POW/KIA service members.
The estimated cost for that is $46,000. Phase two, which is the pavilion behind the monument, will cost $38,000.
“We’re getting there, but it’s going to take a while,” Miller said. “But we know what kind of supportive community we live in and what the armed services means to many people here in Holmes County.”
Irving said this moment marks a big step in the process, not just because it moves the group one step closer to completion of a project, but also because of the meaning that accompanies everything the group is working toward with one unified endgame in sight.
“This group is amazing,” Irving said. “Their hearts are in the right place. It’s all dedicated to veterans, and they want to accomplish the same mission.”
“Veterans will be able to sit down and reminisce old times together and bring their grandkids here,” Miller said. “It’s going to be a special place.”
The monument continues to need the support of the community for it to happen, and the core group on the committee continues to work hard to make it happen.
“It’s crazy how small this community is but how large they are in heart,” Irving said. “They all come together, and they all contribute, whether it’s labor or financially. They all work together as a team.”
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. Irving also said they welcome any thoughts and ideas from the community on what they’d like to see at the memorial.