WAYNESFIELD, Ohio (WLIO) -Â Waynesfield honored the sacrifices of 13 fallen soldiers and their families Saturday with the dedication of a new memorial.
The Gold Star Families Memorial was dedicated to families who have lost an immediate family member in military service. Veterans from Waynesfield spanning multiple generations of wars and conflicts were recognized at the dedication. Guided tours of the memorial trail were offered before the ceremony, as well as a walk to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Community members said honoring the legacy of the veterans is part of the park's purpose.
"I'm incredibly proud of our community for recognizing and honoring that sacrifice," said state Sen. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield.
"We have named this park the Waynesfield Veterans Park, and this memorial takes it a step further by honoring the legacy of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice."
The new memorial was part of a $700,000 park upgrade awarded to Waynesfield in the 2024 State Capital budget, which included a splash pad that opened following the dedication. State Senator Manchester said she hopes the park continues to be a place the community can gather in the future.
"This park is very meaningful to me. Waynesfield is my hometown. I grew up here, and I just had my first son 2 months ago, so I'm hopeful that this will be a place that my kids and my kids' kids can come to. This is really a generational investment that we've made, and I am thrilled to have made it in the village of Waynesfield," said Manchester.
Manchester says additional upgrades planned for the park include new playground equipment, an open shelter, and a nine-hole disc golf course.
The celebration wrapped up with a pair of old-time baseball games played at the park's fields.
