Vets marker added

New memorial a community effort.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com.

A new veterans memorial located outside the Troy-Miami County Public Library is the result of a communitywide partnership.

The memorial was dedicated Nov. 14 during a ceremony at the memorial site on the library’s north side, by its parking lot.

The memorial features landscaping, flagpole, granite bench, and the logos of all branches of the military set in concrete.

“It is a beautiful memorial to veterans in this area … . We want this memorial to be an inspiration to all veterans. We want them to come here and reflect on their experiences in the military,” said Mitch Fogle, director of the Miami Valley Veterans Museum located in Troy.

Rachelle Miller, library director, said individuals, organizations and businesses combined efforts to make the veterans memorial a reality.

“It was truly a grassroots, community effort,” she said. “Not only are we honoring those who have served but we want those who are currently serving — and those who will protect our freedoms in the future—to receive the recognition they deserve.”

Miller said the memorial was created keeping in mind the city’s veterans memorial located at Riverside Cemetery.

“After moving our flag pole, we realized we had the space to do this and thought it would be nice to have an area close to downtown. It really is an honor to be able to do this for the men and women who are serving and who have served our country,” she said.

Troy Mayor Mike Beamish said the project was “a demonstration of what community spirit is all about” and a “lasting tribute” to all veterans.

“Patriotism is alive and well in Troy, Ohio,” Beamish said, detailing community observances for Veterans Day from traditional Veterans Day ceremonies on Nov. 11 to school programs saluting the area’s veterans. “We care about our veterans, we care about our community and we care about the country.”

The memorial’s flags were donated in memory of Bobby Houser.

Those recognized as memorial supporters were: The Troy Foundation; Jeff Schlarman; Shook Construction; Ernst Concrete; Hageman Trucking; Martin Marietta Materials; Greentech Lawn & Irrigation; Howard Cheney; Rich Egbert, Mitch Fogle; Lora Larck; Stephen Larck; Patty Rose; Miami Valley Veterans Museum; and Snyder Brick and Block.

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