In 2001, a challenge was issued to the
citizens of Morgan County, Indiana. Dean Kidwell, whose brother Robert was
a KIA soldier during WW II, made the challenge to build a
monument that would honor all Morgan County military persons who have
given their lives in the service of their country.
This challenge was answered by Elmer Reynolds,
a Martinsville, Indiana resident who was writing articles for the local
newspaper entitled, “Hometown Heroes.” He enlisted the help of
Korean War veteran, Wayne Dillman, and WW II veterans, Merrill St. John and
Ed Williams. These four men and their wives formed the Morgan County
Veterans Memorial Committee and plans were set in motion to erect this
monument.
Commemorative bricks were sold, fund raisers held and numerous individuals,
groups and businesses donated their time, efforts and money to this cause
and in 2002, the monument became a reality. One hundred and fifty names of
brave Morgan County servicemen who “Gave Their All” are inscribed on
this monument, located in O’Neal Park at 95 E. Washington Street in
downtown, Martinsville, Indiana.
The decision was then made to erect another monument that
would honor all men and women who have served, or are presently
serving in the United States military. Again, this dedicated committee and
a dedicated community arose to the task and in the fall of 2003, the second
veterans’ monument was erected.
Both monuments are beautiful to behold and hopefully, serve
in a small way to express the thanks of the citizens of Morgan County to the
servicemen and women who have given and are giving so much of themselves to
ensure that America remains a free nation.
Plans are now underway to establish a veterans’ museum that
will be located adjacent to the memorial park. Interested volunteers may
send e-mail to
veterans@mcvm.us or stop by museum.
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