Paulding Veterans Memorial Dedicated During July 11th Ceremony
PAULDING – Community members gathered Saturday, July 11, for the dedication of the new Paulding Veterans Memorial, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The dedication marked the culmination of nearly three years of planning, fundraising and construction by a dedicated committee committed to creating a permanent tribute to local veterans. The project began following the demolition of the former church building once owned by Pastor Dwayne Richardson, transforming the property into a place of honor and remembrance. Much of the credit for bringing the memorial from vision to reality belongs to Paulding VFW Post #587 Commander John Daeger, whose tireless leadership helped drive the project forward, along with the countless hours contributed by committee members Mike Kauser, Dan Wilder and Jon Snodgrass, as well as guidance and direction from the Paulding County Economic Development office’s Tim Copsey and Paulding County Area Foundation, Lisa McClure.
The ceremony opened with an invocation asking God’s blessing upon the memorial and all who visit it in the years to come. The prayer recognized the courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of the nation’s veterans, describing the monument as a lasting tribute to their service and a reminder of the price paid to preserve America’s freedoms.
Special recognition was also given to living veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made, while remembering those who gave their lives in service to the country. The invocation expressed hope that the memorial would inspire future generations to value honor, duty and unity.
Following the dedication, attendees were asked to remove their hats and face the flag as the American flag was raised over the memorial for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the veterans memorial.
The new memorial now stands as a permanent symbol of gratitude and remembrance, reflecting not only the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, but also the perseverance and dedication of the volunteers who worked for years to ensure their legacy would be honored in the heart of Paulding.
