I recently started to repair some Marion veteran’s grave markers. It is a local cemetery and there is a section that was originally dedicated to veterans. The front portion of it came to be known as the Rainbow Section, as it was dedicated to the memory of veterans from the Rainbow Division of World War One. It in fact has a marker in memory of Dyer J. Bird. He was from Broadway, Ohio, and was living in Marion, Ohio, when he enlisted. He enlisted in Marion’s D Company of the Ohio 4th Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard. Which was reorganized as the 166th Infantry Regiment under the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd Infantry Division (The Rainbow Division).

 

I noticed that over time many of these grave markers had sunk or rather the ground is building up around them. Many are nearly completely covered with sod and grass. When the grass is cut or in fall when the leaves fall, many of the markers are not visible.

 

 

I recently went out and edged five. That improved the appearance greatly, but since they are still three to four inches below surface, water will pool on them after rains and dirt will accumulate on the face of the marker. Next the grass will again creep in.

The grounds keeper came out while I was working and gave me a lesson on correctly raising the markers to flush. This will keep he mowers from striking the markers and will allow water to run off and reduce the accumulation of dirt and the repeat of the cycle.

I plan on returning to begin raising the markers near the Rainbow section and work my way through looking for other veterans markers that need attention. I will also post the marker information on http://www.FindAGrave.com, as well as this blog.

Please take some time to visit or take someone out to see the resting place of our veterans. maybe take a photo or write their name down. Then look them or there unit up on this blog and read about their service. These veterans from our community have long since passed away and many of their children have died or left the area. Let us remember their service.