Rep's Corner

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well the day for which the world has been waiting for these many dreary years is now here with startling suddenness. This evening two air raid sirens began wailing long and loud to proclaim that Japan had accepted the surrender terms. Almost at once, soldiers began streaming from their barracks shouting, smiling, laughing, dancing and slapping each other on the back. And yet, despite the atmosphere of joy and gaiety, I could not help but notice the grim, unsmiling countenances of many overseas veterans. And I, too, felt rather sad. We could not help but think of the ones who will never know the joys of this day. These boys who sleep now in many foreign lands are the ones whom the world should be eternally grateful. They too dreamed of their homes, their wives and sweethearts and longed for the day they could go back. I, for one, will never forget them. In my heart I will always see those rows and rows of little white crosses I saw so many time in Africa and Italy. It’s up to you and me and the rest of us to remember how much was given. Personally, I feel rather humble.

Your son, Ralph

Located on the east side of the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Veteran’s Plaza, was built to pay homage to Ohio veteran’s of World War II and on. The Plaza is two small fountains, two rows of flags, each flag representing one of Ohio’s 88 counties. On the 10-foot-high-curved limestone walls that cap the north and south end of the Plaza, passersby and visitors stop to find 70 letters, similar to the one above, etched into the stone. Servicemen and women wrote the letters displayed on the walls to loved ones back home. Some letters are descriptive; some ring with loneliness and longing, while others, like the letter above, share the wonder and reality of survival.

For many of Ohio’s younger generations, mention of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War conjure up events studied in history and political science classes or perhaps memories from visiting memorials in our nation’s capital. However, for older Americans these wars evoke vivid memories and strong emotions that are sometimes better left alone--memories and emotions learned through life experiences, not books.

On November 11, as America praises her heroes who fought to preserve the greatness of democracy, our thoughts do not stray far to remember our dead. However, if you look around, heroes are not just those who gave their life. They are also those who fought for freedom and democracy and lived to come home to be with their loved ones once again.
November 11 has been honored as a federal holiday since 1938. After World War II, the date became officially known as Veteran’s Day, a change recognized by Congress in 1954, declaring it a day to honor all American veterans of war.

Over the years, Ohio has expanded veteran’s benefits by creating and strengthening programs designed specifically to show appreciation for those who have served our country. The 123rd General Assembly has continued the tradition of honoring Ohio’s veterans with several pieces of legislation.
• House Bill 116, signed into law in August by Governor Bob Taft requires schools to devote time on Veteran’s Day in observance of veterans. The bill is an effort to convey the meaning and significance of Veteran’s Day to students. The bill will become effective November 3, 1999.
• House Bill 118, passed by the 123rd General Assembly in October, modifies the definition of “veteran” in six separate sections of the Ohio Revised Code to include an individual who served as a member of the United States Merchant Marines, Army Transport Service or Naval Transport Service.
• House Bill 123, signed by Governor Taft in July, eliminates the additional $10 fee applicants pay to acquire or renew special veterans’ license plates. The bill provides this exemption for those who served in certain combat zones. The bill became law on October 29, 1999.
• House Bill 287, signed into law by Governor Taft in August, gives the Ohio Department of Transportation the right to place signs and designate U.S. Route 36 between the boundary of Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties and Interstate 77, and between the boundary of Champaign and Miami counties and the Indiana border as the “Korean War Veterans’ Memorial Highway.”
• House Bill 283, the state’s general operating budget, which passed in July, included $4.2 million dollars to assist with the construction of a new Ohio Veterans’ Home. The new facility, which will house 168 beds and will be located in Georgetown, Ohio. The budget also earmarks $500,000 for the Veterans of World War II subsidy in Fiscal Year 2000 to be used for a contribution to the National World War II Memorial Fund.

Personally, I have introduced House Bill 478 to exempt from taxation real and tangible personal
property held or occupied by a non-profit veteran’s organization. Property used primarily for the production of rental income would not be included in this exemption. The need for this legislation was brought to my attention by members of the Joseph W. Diehn American Legion Post Number 468.

Veterans’ organizations are experiencing a financial crisis in Ohio for the upkeep and expansion of facilities that honor their fallen comrades. One of the largest costs for these sites is property taxes, which in some cases, are next to impossible to pay.

Our country was built on the sacrifices of our veterans. They have helped pave the way for our current freedoms and way of life. Heroism and bravery are words that roll easily off the tongue on occasions such as Veteran’s Day. November 11 is a time to reflect upon those great sacrifices made by our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and neighbors, all in the name of preserving our country and preserving freedom. Veteran’s Day is a time when the old and the young can reflect on the lessons of peace and to remember how fortunate we all are to have such individuals to put their lives on the line for ours. We owe them for the freedom we often take for granted.


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© Copyright 2008 State Representative Lynn Olman. All rights reserved.