Paulding VFW Post 587 sitting with Commissioner, Mark Holtsberry, before the ceremony.
Several months ago after the election, County Commissioner Mark Holtsberry made it his project to see a fallen heroes memorial placed into the Paulding County Courthouse. He worked with the other Commissioners and especially the Veteran’s Service Office and within a couple of months, the reality of the memorial commenced.
Paulding County Veteran’s Service Administrator, Jonathan Lichty: “Freedom is not Free.”
Jonathan Lichty, Veterans Service Officer for Paulding County, helped with gathering the names of the veterans for the large plaque. Some of the names of the past wars were hard to find such as the Civil War where Paulding had lost 191 of it’s young men. This was Mark Holtsberry’s specialty. He had lists and old photos of the fighters from America’s war between the states.
The dedication began at 2:30 p.m. with Paulding VFW Post 587’s Color Guard opening the ceremony. Dan Wilder, Quarter Master, provided the invocation asking God’s blessing on the fallen heroes of the county.
“Previously, the Court House had a plaque with the fallen from the Vietnam War and recently it was realized others from this county who have served and fell serving this great nation and Ohio have not been honored.” spoke State Representative Tony Burkley. “We celebrate those who offered their lives on the Alter of Freedom.” The most recent who was killed in action was Zach Wobler from Payne. “I hope he is the last.” stated Burkley.
“Some gave much, these gave all” states the wall of honor. Mark Holtsberry, the man behind the idea of expanding to include all the fallen heroes, spoke of hope. Hope for the county. Hope for the future. “Good men must die, but you cannot kill their names.” said Mark.
“Freedom is not Free.” It’s never free. Many have given their lives. Jonathan Lichty specifically knows what war is like. He served in the Marine Corps and in the war in Iraq, he now serves others by working in the Paulding County Veteran’s Service Office.
There are over 300 names on this incredible board of recognition for the sons and daughters of Paulding County. Stop in to the Paulding County courthouse and see those who gave their lives for Ohio, the nation, and Paulding County.
