Smithville Veterans Memorial continues to be a work in progress as it receives enhancements in time for Memorial Day

Although the Smithville Veterans Memorial was formally dedicated in November, it remains a work in progress.The memorial, which is located in Smithville Village Park, represents the culmination of over three years of planning by a dedicated committee of local residents, each with a unique set of skills that added to its beauty and timely installation.Most recently, two granite benches were installed on the site, one of which was donated by a retired pastor and his wife to honor all the chaplains who served the men and women in the military.Members of the committee make it clear that this memorial was erected to honor all veterans. For example, although monuments are often erected for the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, committee co-chair Maynard Yoh said, “Merchant Marines from WWII and Korean eras are veterans and deserve all the respect and gratitude shown to other veterans. Merchant Marines actually worked with and supported all the military branches and fought shoulder-to-shoulder with them.”Walking through the memorial, visitors will see pavers dedicated to veterans from all over our country who served both in peace and in war. Kathy Miller, who serves as secretary to the memorial committee, said, “We have a few Union soldiers and one Confederate Army of Northern Virginia soldier. There are WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Iraq Freedom conflicts and just a lot of men and women who are proud to have served our country.” “To me they are all heroes,” Miller said. “Heroes don’t wear masks and capes; they wear a uniform of the United States, and I hope this is something our young people may begin to understand from seeing this memorial.”“This is not a war memorial; this is a veteran’s memorial,” Yoh said. “We only honor the service, the commitment and the sacrifice of our veterans.”It’s Yoh’s hope that people learn and appreciate the fact that it has taken the sacrifice of individuals and their families that we may enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today. He said, “Some have had to put their lives and dreams on hold while serving others. Others gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life, and their families have incurred that cost for the rest of their lives.”The site was chosen at least in part due to its quiet, yet visible location where people could reflect on the lives of the veterans who have served our nation. “The entire committee agreed that the location is very symbolic. With the historic Mishler Mill behind it and the playing fields for our youth down below, this site connects the past and the future just like the service of veterans connects the past, the present and the future,” Yoh said.With Memorial Day on the horizon, committee member and chaplain Dana Keirstead said, “I have taken it upon myself to lower the flags in Smithville properties at dawn on Memorial Day and then raise them at noon. At 3 p.m. there will be Taps sounded by area participants to call people to stop what they are doing and remember the purpose of Memorial Day, to honor those who have given their lives for our country’s freedom.” The memorial, which was designed by Smithville High School art teacher Jodi Shilling, allows for the addition of newly engraved pavers to honor veterans twice a year. “We should have 46 new pavers by Memorial Day,” Keirstead said.Those interested in purchasing a paver should contact Kathy Miller at 330-669-2740 or visit the group’s website at www.veteransmemorialinsmithville.weebly.com. Alternatively, pavers can also be purchased at the Smithville Village Hall.Joyce Garn, a member of both the Veterans Memorial Committee and Smithville Village Council said, “I get so excited when I see this because I had no idea it would be this amazing”. The committee hopes visitors to the memorial find it a place of respect, reflection and honor.