Have you seen all the white crosses in City Park? If not, go check it out. Most of us know what they symbolize. The crosses were something Veteran’s Day organizers had wanted for several years but couldn’t get done. Then, in 2018, Boy Scout Ethan Burgoon, who wanted to complete the crosses as part of his Eagle Scout project, stepped in. A Field of Honor, one cross for each Franklin County resident who was killed in action, 197 in all. Ray Shumate, Boy Scout Troop 77 leader Chuck Stevens and Ethan’s grandfather, Richard Burgoon all helped in the planning. After many hours of assembly, the crosses were carefully placed. The crosses are grouped by war; World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Iraqi War. It was the last cross that was placed that hit home. It was in memory of Marine Lance Corporal Christopher Wasser, a boy scout from Troop 77 in Ottawa, who died in April of 2004 in an attack in Iraq.
If you haven’t seen it. Stop, take the time to walk through, take your kids and grandchildren. Tell them the meaning and importance of remembering those who died for us. The Veterans Day display in City Park is expected to remain until November 18th.
