It started with a simple vision – restore four Civil War relics and further honor the community’s veterans.

Tuesday, August 07, 2001

It started with a simple vision – restore four Civil War relics and further honor the community’s veterans.

Now, less than a year later, dirt’s moving on the Veterans Memorial Committee’s project at Woodland Cemetery.

Some concrete will be poured today, then work will progress on the stone markers and flagpole area where four historic Parrott Rifles used in the war between the states will be placed, said Bill Ellis, the committee’s construction chairman.

A walk leading from the cemetery road to the memorial, which overlooks U.S. 52, will be lined with personalized bricks to form the "Patriots Path."

More than 1,700 bricks ordered so far will carry the names of veterans. More will be added to the other side at a later date.

Ellis said a party with the historical society is being planned for September, at which the bricks will be displayed. Those who have bricks can tie ribbons around those that need placed on the path together, he said.

The entire project, designed to "save the community’s heritage and pay proper respects to its veterans" will be dedicated about 2 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, said committee chairman Frank McCown.

"The committee is pleased that the major construction phase is underway," McCown said. "The community has responded with a great outpouring of love and emotion for this project, which recognizes the veterans of Lawrence County and other places."

The memorial has been made possible by more than $100,000 in donations, gathered from Ironton’s and Lawrence County’s veterans, residents, businesses, civic clubs and at fund-raisers over many months now.

"We’re pleased the community has banded together to honor its veterans, and we look forward to the dedication date," McCown said.

For more information or to donate, contact the Veterans Memorial Committee, P.O. Box 596, Ironton, Ohio 45638; or call Judge Frank McCown at 533-4332, Juanita Markel at 532-1033, or Sue Deeds at 532-4312.