Army band draws crowd
Army band draws crowdBy Patrick Cooley, pcooley@mariettatimes.com
Article Photos
Fact Box
Buying a brick
They can be ordered through WASCO Inc. at 373-3781 or by downloading a form at www.mariettaohio.org/visitor/armory_square_walk_of_honor.
The cost is $50.
The proceeds go to the Marietta Community Foundation, which will use them to help pay the maintenance costs for the monument.
So many people came to the dedication of the Veterans Walk of Honor and Army stage band concert at the armory in Marietta Wednesday that the crowd spilled out from the lawn across Front Street.
The walk, located on the west side of the armory steps, is paved with bricks bearing the names and years of service of veterans who served in American wars and conflicts.
"I'm looking for my husband's (Kurt Stolpa) name," said Audra Stolpa, 38, of Marietta. "He served in the conflict with Beirut. He was in the Navy from 1980 to 1988."
Marietta resident David Waterman IV, 55, waded through the crowd of people on the walk, looking for the name of his father, David Waterman III.
"This is very nice," he said about the walk. "My family bought a brick (for my father), and we brought the family out to see it."
Rick Schaad, 37, of Churchtown, said he was very impressed with the turnout at the dedication.
"I think more people are still going to show up," he said before the ceremony began. "(The walk) looks very nice. I like the way they've got it set up with a fountain in the background."
Ken Bigley, 60, of Marietta had his name on one of the bricks.
"My wife bought it for me," he said. "It is just fabulous the way the community came together to build something to honor the veterans. I've got a brick at one of these in Monroe County. They have a pretty nice one up there too."
About 1,600 bricks have been sold so far, and people can still order them, Mayor Michael Mullen said.
"There is room for many more," he said.
The walk wasn't the only thing drawing people downtown.
The Army National Guard's 122nd Army Stage Band performed patriotic numbers such as "God Bless America" beforehand, then switched to a jazz band format with classics from the likes of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. The concert was sponsored by the city and The Marietta Times.
Cathy Luthy, 51, of Beverly got off work early to attend the concert. Her son, Jason, is a trombonist in the band.
"This is only the third time we've seen him play," she said. "It's very special that he gets to come here."
The colors were presented by the Marietta chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mullen told the assembled crowd the walk was dedicated to all of the Washington County veterans and anyone else who died in the name of liberty.
Halfway through his speech, he asked all of the veterans in the audience to stand and they were given a round of applause.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you," he said.
State Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, and Sen. Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton, also said a few words.
"I can't think of a better place to do this than in front of the first National Guard post in Ohio," Padgett said.
"The armory holds our history, and this block of honor holds our hearts," Garrison said.
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mama1lu
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07-07-08 10:00 PM
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I am the mother of one of the band members. Of course, we are happy to see him perform no matter what uniform he is wearing. My first thought, when I saw them in their duty uniforms instead of dress, was what a great reminder that the guys and gals overseas are on duty 24 hours a day. Even their time off is clouded with the fact that they are not at home and that they are in a foreign land. My heart and thanks go out to the families whose sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are serving their country away from home. Remember those who are still in the USA are ready to defend us on our own soil at a moment's notice.
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dixiejoy77
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07-04-08 4:09 PM
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If in this day and age the one thing we worry about is what someone wears or doesn't wear, then we have more things to worry about than I had thought. The commitment and dedication a young man or woman in the armed forces, where ever they are placed is both an honor and desire I wish to see in any young person that is willing. Not saying the armed forces is for everyone, but for those that make that a commitment in their lives, I support them whole hearted and hope and pray God keeps them safe.
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Beckyj
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07-04-08 8:32 AM
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Who cares. I was more disturbed that there were at least 3 people in the crowd that did not remove their hat during the flag presentation and the Star Spangled Banner. Seems sad that throughout these comments only a couple passing mentions of how wonderful this ceremony really was. I don't care want your politics are or what you think we should or should not do with the armory. The Brick Walk of Honor is amazing and everyday all day long there are people stopping by. To have the band here to help dedicate it was awesome. I don't care if they came in their grubby clothes from their last work duty. Thank you to anyone that is serving in our first ALL VOLUNTEER MILITARY.
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Indian
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07-04-08 7:45 AM
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I apologize. Thank you to all who do what you do to protect us. Hat, top, helemt, headgear or not, THANK YOU. The music was good.
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IsaacEastwood
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07-03-08 10:45 PM
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Many of you just know me as the owner of the Locker Room, but I was actually in the AF Reserves for 5 years. That's probably one reason I'm always partial to all military that stops by. In the Air Force we would have had to wear our top, as well as be in dress uniform. The way it was taught to us was the only time you wore your bdu's out (battle dress uniform, ie camo) was if it were a quick stop at the grocery store or something like that on your way home. Otherwise it was dress blues all the way. I'm sure a base commander or someone along that line could make exceptions to the rules now and then. I am suprised though that they waved the rule for no hat, as that seemed to be one of the most enforced things around unless you were under certain field conditions.
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Indian
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07-03-08 7:42 PM
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Head gear? You mean football helmets?
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electech01
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07-03-08 3:47 PM
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Regarding uniforms, you can read about what class uniforms can be utilized by reading: AR-670-1. A small 380 page document. /R
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Orchardfarmer
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07-03-08 1:41 PM
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It always amazes me when I read these comments. What amazes me is the things people can find to complain about.
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lynn45750
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07-03-08 11:41 AM
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how about why they are wearing duty uniforms instead of dress? Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate our guys serving in ALL the various jobs. When they are doing a public relations "job" they should not be in duty uniforms.
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DevilsAdvocate
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07-03-08 11:30 AM
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Adam, You were Army. You should knnow your own outfit. The Army has its own weird policy about wearing hats, covers, berets etc. indoors and out. A couple of them wore them when moving about the crowd, but removed them when on or near the stage.
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KetteringMariettaTransplant
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07-03-08 11:17 AM
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Adam - It was hot, they didn't want to wear 'em.
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asears75
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07-03-08 9:08 AM
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can someone tell me why the band isnt wearing headgear???
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