Published: June 29, 2009 05:53 pm      

Memorial honors Stewardson’s veterans

STEWARDSON — A large crowd turned out in Stewardson Sunday during a break from the heat and humidity to honor its own and dedicate the Stewardson Veterans Memorial — a black granite structure that contains 806 names of local soldiers, sailors and Marines.

While ranks or branch of service aren’t listed on the memorial, Joe Vonderheide, president of the Stewardson Veterans Memorial Committee, said it wasn’t needed.

“It doesn’t matter if they were a private or a general or how many medals they earned, we all are equal now. We are veterans,” he said.

State Sen. Dale Righter also said during the ceremony awards didn’t matter.

“Let’s remember those individuals in time of war and peace who donned their nation’s uniform and took a stand.” he said. “These people are patriots. Thank God for patriots.”

The ceremony paid special tribute to World War II veterans, as a World War II army trainer flew overhead.

American Legion 19th District Cmdr. Marty Zvonar said the memorial is a way of preserving the names of World War II soldiers, who are now dwindling, and recalled the same being done for Civil War veterans when he was a child.

“Stewardson Veterans Memorial will take its rightful place in joining thousands of other memorials across the land honoring those who shared in wearing the honorable uniform,” he said.

Vonderheide said the memorial took “hard work, time, family sacrifices and money.

The committee raised funds with bake sales, dinners, auctions, a hog roast and a scrap metal drive inspired by a similar student effort in Stewardson during World War II to buy Army jeeps.

The project began two and half years ago with Norma Hobson, who felt she needed to do something for the soldiers.

“I thought it was time we honored our boys,” she said after the dedication.

The cause also was personal for Hobson, whose husband served in the military, as well as two brothers in the Korean War.

Hobson said she was happy to be able to attend the event despite suffering a broken back and stroke. She was modest as residents lined up to thank her.

“I feel I’m getting more honor than I should have,” she said.

However, Hobson said she worked hard to get the project going and is now able to see it finished.

“I’m just delighted,” she said.

Several local World War II veterans were honored at the ceremony and helped commemorate the day by signing a World War II propaganda poster, posing for photos and receiving thanks from those who attended the event.

World War II Army veteran Wesley Koontz came back to his hometown after having been away for a while for the dedication to see not only his name on the wall, but those of his grandfather, great uncle, brother and cousins.

Stewardson resident Muriel Merriman said the memorial serves as a way to bring people to Stewardson and keep them connected. Merriman has a son serving in Guam, as well as brothers and a great-grandfather whose names are on the wall.

“It’s a way to honor the military,” she said.

Vonderheide thanked everyone who donated to the cause.

“This is not my memorial or the committee’s. This is your memorial,” he said. “Our veterans will never be forgotten. They served with honor.”

Cathy Thoele can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 126 or cathy.thoele@effinghamdailynews.com