Feature Article on Memorial Day.
TOPIC: EVENTS & CIVIL WAR
Compiled by Jim Sayre in May, 1999
FIRST FORMAL DECORATION DAY FOR SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO WAS 1874...Pg 8 |
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| 1949, World
War II Dead Remembered From the Sidney Daily News, May 31, 1949 Once again we have assembled as a nation of
free people to observe the day set aside to honor those who have made it possible for us
to be free. This past year we have seen many of them from World War II brought home for a final resting place.
May the memory of the sacrifices of all our honored dead be indelibly written on the pages
of history. Let us strive mentally and physically as individuals and as a nation, to build
for them a lasting memorial. Not a monument of stone, or metal, or of some material
substance, but rather the greatest memorial of all time, a structure of world peace. |
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| Sidney people of World War II
age might remember the wooden monument shown at right, approximately 25-30 feet high, that
once stood in the courtsquare. Names of those in service were imprinted on the four sides;
those who had made the supreme sacrifice were listed on the front in gold lettering.
Planning for the structure began in about 1943. It was dedicated on August 15, 1945, at
Sidney’s Victory in Japan (V-J) celebrations. According to the Sidney Daily News: "Bearing the names of over 3,000 Shelby county men and women who have seen service in the United States armed forces and, in gold lettering, the names of 71 men who have given the last full measure of devotion by making the supreme sacrifice, Shelby county’s famous Roll of Honor, located on the northwest corner of the court house square, has become a symbol of sacrifice in World War II. The dedication of this memorial will be an important part of Shelby country’s V-J Day ceremonies." The cenotaph stood until about 1950. A similar picture appears in a new book by Doris Eggleston titled We Can’t Forget! Part Two. More Memories of World War II Veterans. Books may be purchased from Eggleston by calling 937-498-8096 or by writing her at 204 Charles Ave., Sidney, OH 45365. The Sidney News Stand and Bookstore also carries the book. |
Photo from Richard Neer [Back] [Next] |