GENEVA —
Area residents will look a little differently at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument after hearing its history come alive Saturday afternoon during a rededication ceremony.
“Each one of you are showing a sign of respect,” said Sgt. Major (Ret.) Richard Arndt of the U.S. Marine Corps. He said the new location of the monument along South Broadway will remind him of the sacrifices made by those serving in the military throughout the world.
“Our country has been able to maintain its status worldwide because of the sacrifices our military has made,” Arndt said. He returned from 30 years of service in the Marine Corps to his home town of Geneva.
The monument was originally planned for construction at Evergreen Cemetery, but political events and a desire to centralize the monument led to its construction in downtown Geneva where it was dedicated on Aug. 3, 1880.
Bradley Keefer delivered a history of the monument detailing some of the historical factors leading to its construction. He said Civil War Re-construction had gone badly and healing was not close to occurring in the late 1870s.
“There was little sense of reconciliation with each group of soldiers (Union and Confederate) blaming the other,” Keefer said. He said it was in this atmosphere the monument was moved to the center of town.
Eventually the monument was moved to the former site of Geneva High School in 1911 where it stood until it was moved a block east to Broadway in 2011.
John W. King, complete with top hat and black coat and tails, read the Gettysburg Address to give people a historical perspective.
“This is the first time I have shared a platform with the president (Lincoln),” Keefer said.
Local politicians also took time to honor those who have given their lives for their country. “These men and women served to protect freedom...for that we all owe a great deal of gratitude,” said Sen. Capri Cafaro.
“The new Veterans Memorial Park will serve as an everlasting tribute,” said Rep. Casey Kozlowski.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Peggy Carlo credited Geneva leaders, the business community and citizens for working together to complete a project.
“You set an example for the rest of the county on how those work with collaboration,” she said.
“The monument has had quite a journey,” said Geneva City Manager James Pearson. “We are glad you are here to help us celebrate this great day.
Hundreds were drawn to a parade through downtown Geneva followed by the ceremony that included songs by a community choir and music by the Geneva High School band.
“We are here to pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom,” said master of ceremonies Tony Long.
Many of the speakers urged those in attendance to use the memorial as a daily reminder of those who have served, or are serving, in the U.S. military.
“When we drive past this monument we will remember what these men and women have done,” said the Rev. Matt Thompson of Geneva Church of Christ during an opening prayer.
A representative of each branch of the military was in place for the raising of the flag ceremony.
Representatives of the Geneva VFW Post 6846 raised the flag as soldiers and sailors saluted.
In conclusion Arndt reminded listeners that the military provides a variety of services from ousting dictators to providing humanitarian aid.
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