Veterans have always been important to Anita Legge. Her husband and father-in-law were both veterans, and while she appreciates the recognition veterans receive, she thought it would be appropriate to have a memorial honoring local veterans in Belle Center.
Inspired to see a memorial at the Willard Stout Post 266 of the American Legion, Legge took her plans to the Richland Township Trustees after learning the project would cost less than she anticipated. Legge talks about the process of getting approval for the project:
One of the people who jumped in to help was Pam Gillen. While not having any family members as veterans, she shared Legge’s desire to have something in Belle Center to honor Logan County veterans. Gillen envisioned a sign listing the names of Logan County veterans interred in all Richland County cemeteries. She contacted Jon Watkins and outlined her plan. The sign will be affixed to the building behind the memorial.
The next step was to form a fundraising committee to begin raising funds. Gillen talks about the fundraising:
One of the foundation members, Richland Township Trustee Tracy Baker, learned of a grant offered by the Logan County Visitors Bureau. According to the press release, “The Visitors Bureau Grant program is an annual initiative, split into two rounds, to elevate tourism and foster community engagement in Logan County.” Baker talks about how proud she is of the work done by everyone:
Baker applied for the grant and was informed that the bureau would award $2,500 to the project. Jamison Thornton, Director of the Logan County Visitors Bureau, presented the check to the foundation at the memorial site on Friday afternoon. From the press release:
The Belle Center Veterans Memorial Foundation will receive funding for a Veterans Memorial to honor the brave service members from Belle Center. The granite monument, to be placed at the Belle Center Legion Post 266 building, on the old jail cell site, will include an honor wall feature, serving as a tribute to those Belle Center natives who have served our country.
The project is expected to be completed by this Memorial Day.
The following individuals are involved with the project:
Foundation Committee Members
- Anita Legge
- Pam Gillen
- Bev Matthews
- Shannan Penny
- Stephanie Penny
- Terri Stoker
- Renae Sheets
- Tracy Baker (Township Trustee)
Richland Township Trustees
- Gary Carson
- Matt Hurley
Other officials
- Cathy Pool – Richland Twp. Fiscal Officer
- Joe Ritter – Belle Center Fiscal Officer
- Lance Houchin – Belle Center Mayor
Others Involved
- Dennis Wilson – Contractor
- Jon Watkins – Sinage
- Stan Schrader – Legion Commander
- Hal Elsasser – Legion Adjutant
