DONIPHAN, Mo. — Doniphan will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a groundbreaking at Heritage Park to honor more than 120 former service members.
The community is creating a Veteran’s Walk.
The names of 121 soldiers and one deputy who were killed in the line of duty will be memorialized in granite. Each engraved 8-by-12-inch slate will also include the conflict which cost that honoree their life.
Jack “Skip” Johnson, who has been instrumental in planning the project, said it has been a community effort.
He credits the public and supporting businesses and organizations, as well as local and state governments, as being critical to its success.
“Without the support of these people, this honoring of our heroes could not be completed,” said Johnson.
He listed Doniphan Mayor Dennis Cox, the Doniphan City Council, Doniphan Neighborhood Assistance Program, the J.A. Ashby VFW Post 3485, Doniphan Granite Worx, Ripley County Monument Company, Missouri Congressman Jason Smith and the Veteran’s Administration as having all contributed in some way to the project.
Johnson said the the Daughters of the American Revolution, Threads of Hope, Sandy Croney and Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton helped research and provide verification of those whose names were presented for the honor.
Johnson also said many other special individuals “befriended” the project, including Emmy Sturtevant, Jim Todd, Mike and Vicky Snow, Kathy Harp, as well as all the churches, businesses and people of Ripley County who assisted and supported it.
“We thank everyone who had a part,” he said.
Johnson said the Veteran’s Walk is very important to the families of those who gave their lives in service, whose names should never be forgotten.
Gen. David H. Berger of the US Marine Corps said of those families, “I extend a most heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to continue serving in your loved one’s name. I am continually amazed by the inspiring strength and passion for helping others that our ‘Gold Star Families’ display.”
Berger further stated, “One of the most significant missions of our Corps is to take care of our veterans and families — to show them the value of their service and sacrifice. Memorials like this stand as a reminder that every life is important.
“Our nation is deeply grateful for every patriot who has gone above and beyond to defend the ideals we hold dear. This pillar honors the indescribable sacrifices made to secure the freedom we enjoy.”