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Memorial to Marion Soldiers, Sailors and Public Servants at Marion Cemetery

By Wendy Weichenthal on July 11, 2023

This chapel is made of light stone. It has a tall bell tower in the front, Canons are placed at the entrance.
The Solders’ and Sailors’ Memorial Chapel was erected in 1887. (Photo credit: David Weichenthal)

Generations of Marion County residents have fought for our country. Inside the broad gates of the Historic Marion Cemetery stand memorials to service members from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War II as well as local law enforcement and firefighters.

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Chapel

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Chapel was erected in 1887. The Marion County Commissioners issued a tax levy to pay for the construction. Inside the original oak doors are inscribed names of 2,800 local men who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It includes those who fought for Union and the Confederacy and honors both white military members and people of color.

A stone carving insid ethe chappel shows a sailor in uniform who is leaning against a railing. He holds a rope an an anchor leans against the other side. He holds a wooden paddle.
A sailor is depicted at ease inside the chapel. (Photo credit: David Weichenthal)

“Such inclusiveness was rare for that time,” said The Ohio State University Faculty Member Sue Oakes. “Whether you were white, Native American, African American or Hispanic Americans, and whether you lived or died, you were included in this memorial.”

“The whole structure is a complete monument, dedicated to the memory of the defenders of the Republic and an honor to Marion County for thus remembering her soldiers,” the Memorial Cemetery documents state.

The chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Marion Cemetery donated the land. The county owns the monument. Services for veterans and others placed in the crypts are held in the chapel, though it is now closed.

A list of names carved into the stone inside the chapel has water damage, making the names hard to read.
Water damage is eroding the names of the local soldiers and sailors etched into the walls inside the chapel. (Photo credit: David Weichenthal)

“The soldiers’ names have started to deteriorate from water filtration and limited ventilation. It even has mold which is extremely dangerous,” said Angie Yazel, superintendent of the private, nonprofit Marion Cemetery. “It’s sad, but I won’t permit anyone inside until I know it is safe.”

Yatzel provided an estimate for the cost of repairs to the county commissioners in the summer of 2022.

“We have been in conversation and meetings with Mark Lecky Architects concerning restoration of the Chapel,” said County Commissioner Kerr Murray. “The restoration will be quite extensive and happen during calendar year 2023!”

Stained glass windows have the letters US entwined at the top, surrounded by stars. Below is a shieled with a ribbon stating "Union".
Photo credit: David Weichenthal

Bells play hymns over the cemetery several times a day in honor of those who served. Cannons from the Civil War stand outside.

World War II Memorial 

A black stone memorial is enscribed: Marion County World War II Veterans Memorial. Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946. It has a red white and blue flag carved into the stone. On top there is a gilded eagle on top of a smaller black stone with the word "Honor" and a single star.
Photo credit: David Weichenthal

Directly across from the chapel lies the World War II Memorial. The one element that directly links the present to the past is the historic eagle that stands guard atop the pillar.

The gilded bronze eagle was cast in 1945. It originally presided over the WWII Honor Roll at the Marion County Courthouse. When the wooden Honor Roll deteriorated, both were taken down in 1970 and placed in storage. The eagle was later donated to the Marion County Historical Society, which graciously donated it back so it could again land in its rightful place in Marion County history.

A closer photo of the bronze eagle atop the World War II memorial.
Photo credit: David Weichenthal

A committee including veterans from World War II and the Korean War, led by Dick West and other community leaders, raised $586,000 in private and corporate donations to build the monument. It was dedicated in 2001.

A total of 5,896 names of Marion County service members were carved into the moment. Men and women are listed in alphabetical order. Stars indicate those who died while serving. More names have been added as additional records were discovered.

A white woman with light brown hair that is bpulled back, glasses, and a smile, points to names on the World War II memorial.
Professor Sue Oakes (Photo credit: David Weichenthal)

Law Enforcement and Firefighters Honored

Local law enforcement officers and firefighters have memorials next to each other on Delaware Avenue. Unions for police officers and firefighters pay for the lighting for these memorials. Names of the union members who were lost date back to the 1930s are listed.

Historic Marion Cemetery

Many individuals are buried or placed in crypts or niches in the 150-acre cemetery. Yatzel has worked there for 26 years.

The Superintendent is a white woman with short blonde hair, blue eyes, a bright smile, and glasses.
Superintendent Angie Yaztel (Provided by the Marion Cemetery.)

“I’m proud to be the first woman superintendent and work with Jody Lackey, the first female association president,” Yatzel said.

The cemetery is currently raising money to erect permanent signage and replace the fence along Vernon Heights Boulevard for safety reasons; for example, to keep visitors out during icy weather until it can be salted and plowed.

For more on the Marion Cemetery, visit historicmarioncemetery.org.

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