Photo by Gwen Sour Former Marietta Mayor Michael “Moon” Mullen removes an unmarked brick so a brick with the name of a veteran can be placed in the Veteran Walk of Honor during a Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

MARIETTA – Over 80 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Armory Square in Marietta to honor the lives and legacies of local veterans, as new commemorative bricks were added to the growing Veteran Walk of Honor during a Memorial Day weekend ceremony.

The event, hosted by the Armory Square board in partnership with the Washington County Veterans Service Commission, saw community members, families, and veterans join together to pay tribute to those who served.

“Thanks to all you folks for being here, and thanks for all the folks represented in these bricks, these 5,000-plus bricks, and thank you for all of our veterans,” said former Marietta Mayor Michael “Moon” Mullen, who emceed the event.

“These bricks remain quietly supporting us, just like the men and women whose names are etched upon them,” said Darren Shearlock, executive director of the Washington County Veterans Service Commission and a retired master sergeant. “Each brick we place today is more than just stone. It’s a monument. A testament. A reminder of a life that stood in defense of freedom.”

Shearlock emphasized that the placement of bricks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends is a symbolic act that helps preserve the legacy of service members year-round. This year’s dedication also marked historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Photo by Gwen Sour Coleen (Wells) Fleming places a brick on behalf of David Martin Wells, who served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1972.

A new feature introduced during Saturday’s event promises to make it easier for families and visitors to locate specific bricks. Through a collaboration with Horizon Heights Productions, the walk has been digitally mapped using drone photography and artificial intelligence. Visitors can now search for a veteran’s name on a newly launched website, www.armorysquaremariettaohio.com, which pinpoints the location of a brick within a numbered and lettered grid system.

“This was a complex project,” said Anthony Paitsel, co-owner of Horizon Heights Productions. “We cataloged thousands of names, mapped the site with drones, and developed AI to process everything. The result is a tool that saves families hours and helps ensure every veteran can be properly honored and located.”

Julie Anderson and Karen Anderson attended the event to honor their late father-in-law and father, respectively, U.S. Air Force Sgt. Donnie Anderson, who served from 1969 to 1973.

“He passed away last May, and we’re coming back on Veterans Day”, said Julie Anderson.

The family said having a commemorative brick placed was a meaningful way to honor Anderson’s legacy.

Photo by Gwen Sour Anthony Paitsel explains how to locate an individual’s brick on the Armory Square’s website during Saturday afternoon’s Memorial Day festivities at the Armory.

Shearlock also encouraged veterans in the area to visit the Washington County Veterans Service Commission office to learn about available resources, even if they are not currently in need. The office provides transportation to medical appointments, financial assistance, and help navigating VA benefits.

“Let us fight for you,” Shearlock said. “Come learn what’s available, and maybe pass it on to someone who needs it.”

The Veteran Walk of Honor continues to expand, with bricks available for purchase year-round. More information is available on the Armory Square website.