By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame finally got a sneak peek of the memorial that has been nearly three years in the works.

Members of the Veterans Hall of Fame turned up at Longstreth Memorials in Galion Wednesday morning to view the center obelisk, wings, and pavers that are approaching the final stages of completion.

“It’s the first time we got to see it set up like this,” said Veterans Hall of Fame President Chuck Christman. “I can’t wait until it’s done. It’s been a big chore. I think we bit off more than we could chew, but it’s going to work.

“It’s going to be nice,” Christman continued. “I think everybody will be proud of it.”

The monument, which will be installed in front of the Crawford County Courthouse, will feature a pentagon-shaped obelisk with five wings branching out from there. Pavers will be embedded in the plaza and the two walkways, allowing visitors to walk amongst the monument.

The Veterans Hall of Fame partnered with Longstreth Memorials for the project.

“It’s been a great project,” said Sean Longstreth. “This is more of a plaza-style design, so I really like it. It has a center piece and five wings. Actually, the community just doesn’t look at it, they can go through it and interact in it.”

Longstreth noted that the monument will include military emblems and quotes from past presidents.

“It’s designed so the Hall of Fame winners can keep being engraved year after year onto the monument,” Longstreth added. “It’s a great project. I’m so proud we can work with them. I think it’s going to be a nice thing for the veterans – give them some well-deserved recognition.”

Christman said they aim to have the monument completed and installed by July 4.

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is still selling pavers for the monument, which can be purchased at ccvhof.org/monument-bricks or by contacting Christman at 419-562-4740.

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