Gahanna Lincoln Veteran's Memorial

On Mother's Day in May of 2005, Nick Messmer, graduate of the class of 2003, was serving in the army in Iraq when he was killed by a roadside bomb. He left behind several family members, friends, and a fiancé back in Gahanna. The time after Messmer's death was tough on many people in the community. He had two brothers still attending Gahanna Lincoln High School. Remembering not only Nick but also all those who have fallen from our high school became a top priority. It did not take long for the students at the high school to begin a project, which would help everyone remember the ultimate sacrifices that GLHS students throughout history have given for our country. In the spring of the following year, the "To Serve and to Honor" memorial began. Students at the high school sold pavers and benches as well as an Oldies Concert to help raise money for the construction of the Memorial. The students raised over $180,000.00 for the construction. The architecture class at the high school helped to design the memorial. Many businesses in the community donated time and materials to help with the construction. This memorial is the largest veteran's memorial at any high school in the United States. The memorial does not only contain Nick Messmer's name, but the names of 17 other students who attended or graduated Gahanna Lincoln High School and lost their life in military service. On Veteran's Day in November, the Gahanna Veterans Memorial Dedication was held. Family members and relatives were given the opportunity to attend the ceremony and then be escorted into the memorial. Each of the eight ton columns were engraved with the name, date of service, branch of military of each soldier which was lost. President Bush sent a letter to the students before the dedication praising the students efforts. The address at the dedication was given by Gahanna 1976 graduate General Jeffrey Horne. He was in charge of all Artillery operations in Iraq. He was flown back just for our dedication ceremony. In May of 2007, 50 GLHS students and teachers including myself loaded on a bus headed for Washington DC to talk to senators and representatives about the project. In fact, former Senator Bob Dole, who headed the WWII Memorial, met with the students. We were also given the opportunity to visit many of the other memorials in the DC area. In November of this year the Memorial was used for a very special Veteran's Day service for the students at our high school as well as the community. At that time two additional names had been engraved on the granite columns. Members of student council and myself read names and laid a rose next to the granite columns of each of the fallen soldiers as their names were read. Nick Messmer's family's lives will forever be changed along with the school and the entire community. The "Action of One" caused an entire school and community to respond. This memorial stands tall outside the front doors of Gahanna Lincoln High School and is a permanent reminder of those who have given their lives for our freedom. No one should ever for get their sacrifice. ~~Jena|Verbance|17|12~~|||~~|||~~|||~~|||