thedrifter
03-08-06, 06:44 AM
Mobile soldier tribute coming to Lancaster
By CARL BURNETT JR.
The Eagle-Gazette Staff
cburnett@nncogannett.com
LANCASTER - Rising Park will be the setting during St. Patrick's Day weekend for a mobile memorial to Ohio's fallen soldiers from the Iraq War.
"It's one of the most moving memorials you will see," said Andy Leavitt, one of organizers and a board member for the Ohio Flags of Honor Foundation.
The memorial was established originally as part of the ceremony welcoming home the U.S. Marines Reserve unit from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion/25th Regiment, who returned to central Ohio after serving eight months in Iraq. They had lost 22 soldiers, 16 from Ohio.
American Legion Post 164 and Leavitt set up a tribute of flags at Rickenbacker Field, south of Columbus. Each flag represented one of the fallen.
"There was a surge in patriotism because Ohioans were taking a licking right then," Leavitt said. "When someone fell, it felt like one of our own family."
The flags drew so much praise, Leavitt said, he found people asking if it could be displayed in other cities.
So a nonprofit organization was formed and the flags went on the road.
On March 17, the display will be set up in Lancaster.
There are 294 tribute poles to veteran's organizations representing the people lost in previous conflicts, and there will be 106 flags mounted with the name, rank and branch of service of all Ohioans killed in action from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We are lucky to have this tribute coming to Lancaster," Mayor Dave Smith said during a planning meeting last Friday. "It is an honor for this moving tribute to be here."
Leavitt said the opening ceremony will include veterans from the conflict, family members and a patriotic salute - including a 21-gun salute performed by the Lancaster American Legion Burial Honor Detail. A reception will follow.
Veteran's organizations, along with Scouting organizations, and law enforcement agencies will participate.
"It is our way to let the families of the fallen know we stand beside them and can show we recognize their loss," Leavitt said.
Ellie
By CARL BURNETT JR.
The Eagle-Gazette Staff
cburnett@nncogannett.com
LANCASTER - Rising Park will be the setting during St. Patrick's Day weekend for a mobile memorial to Ohio's fallen soldiers from the Iraq War.
"It's one of the most moving memorials you will see," said Andy Leavitt, one of organizers and a board member for the Ohio Flags of Honor Foundation.
The memorial was established originally as part of the ceremony welcoming home the U.S. Marines Reserve unit from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion/25th Regiment, who returned to central Ohio after serving eight months in Iraq. They had lost 22 soldiers, 16 from Ohio.
American Legion Post 164 and Leavitt set up a tribute of flags at Rickenbacker Field, south of Columbus. Each flag represented one of the fallen.
"There was a surge in patriotism because Ohioans were taking a licking right then," Leavitt said. "When someone fell, it felt like one of our own family."
The flags drew so much praise, Leavitt said, he found people asking if it could be displayed in other cities.
So a nonprofit organization was formed and the flags went on the road.
On March 17, the display will be set up in Lancaster.
There are 294 tribute poles to veteran's organizations representing the people lost in previous conflicts, and there will be 106 flags mounted with the name, rank and branch of service of all Ohioans killed in action from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We are lucky to have this tribute coming to Lancaster," Mayor Dave Smith said during a planning meeting last Friday. "It is an honor for this moving tribute to be here."
Leavitt said the opening ceremony will include veterans from the conflict, family members and a patriotic salute - including a 21-gun salute performed by the Lancaster American Legion Burial Honor Detail. A reception will follow.
Veteran's organizations, along with Scouting organizations, and law enforcement agencies will participate.
"It is our way to let the families of the fallen know we stand beside them and can show we recognize their loss," Leavitt said.
Ellie