ASHLAND — Matt Miller said a park and monument dedication ceremony on July 4 will be packed with memorable moments.
“I don’t think you’ll want to miss it,” the Ashland mayor said June 16 at the most recent City Council meeting.
The dedication of Freedom Park and monument is set for 2 p.m. on July 4 in the Pump House District. Six pillars — one for each branch of the United States Armed Forces — make up the overall monument. Each granite pillar — shaped like the Washington Monument — is approximately 200 inches tall (about 17 feet), according to Miller.
Coinciding with the country’s 250th birthday, the city has been recruiting 250 veterans and active-duty service members to play a special role in the July 4 dedication.
Miller said the plan is to line up veterans and active-duty service members in an organized formation behind each of the six pillars — creating a stunning scene to experience in person and to photograph.
As of Thursday evening, 200 veterans and active-duty service members have signed up to participate, according to Amanda Furman of the mayor’s office.
Participants are asked to arrive at 1:15 p.m. and should plan to be at the ceremony until around 3 p.m. This commitment will require participants to stand for 30 to 45 minutes.
Chairs will be provided for participants, but they must be able to walk onto the field where the ceremony will take place, Furman said. Veterans and active-duty service members interested in participating can be from any county, not just Ashland County, she said.
For those wishing to participate, click here to fill out the registration form on the city’s website. Folks with questions are encouraged to contact the mayor’s office by calling 419-289-8622.
More details in regards to parking arrangements for the ceremony, as well as maps, will be shared by the mayor’s office early next week.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public.
