Milton Union Veterans Memorial: A Community Pillar
The dog days of summer are finally coming to a close. As the days get shorter and the temperature brisker, the need to spend time outdoors grows. One of the best places to spend an autumn afternoon may just be under your nose. In the middle of the West Milton Municipal Park lies one of West Milton’s beautiful attractions. The Milton Union Veterans Memorial features a cement walkway, studded with dedicated company and family tiles on each side. The memorial itself holds bricks upon bricks of rich Miami County history.
Within the monument are beautiful cement structures surrounding a brick patio holding the names and years of service of Miami County and surrounding veterans. Tony Hughes, one of the memorial’s original founders, has his own block within the brick platform and is looking to expand the memorial to its full potential. Each veteran brick is only fifty dollars and lasts forever on the memorial floor. Family and company bricks are priced around $125 and show a line of support leading up to the veteran platform. The memorial includes the names of veterans who have served in wars as far back as World War One. These bricks also hold the names of living veterans like Tony, as well as those who are still serving their country today.
Beyond the bricks is a stunning addition of eight granite stones. Each stone is beautifully engraved with wars in American history and depicts a battle and its significance. After its building in the late 90s, the memorial has continued to add patriotic beauty and significance to the park. The nearby trees not only provide a comfortable shade for the late summer heat, but as fall approaches, the changing leaves add to the beauty of the West Milton staple. Autumn afternoons could be spent admiring the memorials, flags, bricks, and what they stand for or just reading a book under the adjacent trees. As the holiday season quickly approaches, a brick within the memorial might be a gift for a loved one that not only shows your personal appreciation but patriotic appreciation as well. As Veterans Day approaches, taking a moment to respect and honor the veterans in your life is important. One of the best ways to say thank you is an honorable brick within the company of dozens of other brave local soldiers.
When you visit the Milton Union Veterans Memorial, you’re not only struck by its beauty and the beauty of the surrounding park but also by its presentation of the impact each individual veteran and soldier has made on West Milton, Miami County, and the country as a whole. When thinking of spending some time outdoors, whether with a good book, a picnic, or a date, think of the scenic and impactful Milton Union Veterans Memorial.