To the editor:
Athens County is one of a few of Ohio’s 88 counties that does not have a Parks Program. Athens County Commissioners have an opportunity to make Ohio’s Hub of the Universe one of the premier locations in our state to create parks, perhaps in each of the County’s 14 townships. Parks create tourism, heads in beds and jobs. I applaud Commissioner Chris Chmiel for spearheading the idea of Athens County having its own parks district.
However I write primarily about a Veterans Park. A much needed place for veterans, current serving armed forces, families, friends and tourists to go and reflect over the great sacrifices that veterans give for everyone’s freedom. Our great County was founded by Revolutionary War Veterans and their families. Each of our 14 Townships were founded by Revolutionary and War of 1812 Veterans. Our very first white explorer and Settler David Dailey is buried here in a long lost cemetery was a Revolutionary Combat War Veteran. Ohio University was founded by Veterans.
Perhaps as a part of the Park District a tour of all of the County’s 50 Veterans and War Markers could be incorporated.
Over the past 50 years members of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veteran of America, American Veterans, Athens County Veterans Memorial Service Commission, Southeastern Ohio Veterans Memorial Support Group, Masonic Lodge, Rotary and other interested groups and individuals have met and held meetings to bring forth the idea of creating a Veterans War Memorial park to many past and current Athens City Mayors and County Commissioners and Township Trustees. I do hope that our Commissioners agree to form a committee of interested businesses, individuals and especially Veterans to create a park that we can call our own.
Kevin Martin
Director, Southeastern Ohio Veterans Memorial Support
