A group of veterans and volunteers are working to honor service members with hundreds of military banners around Marion.
“It makes me proud. Marion pays respect to citizens who accept the call to service,” said Randy Drazba, the group’s organizer.
Drazba started the military banners four years ago with co-chairman Larry Elliot. Several other members of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1117 also volunteered, including Jim Wilhelm, John Fullmer, Art Cheney, Richard Schroats, Ned Phelps, John Danner and John Stallsmith.
“It’s kind of a community project. We just happen to be the guys who push the button to get it started,” Drazba said.
Veterans’ Banners Grow Exponentially
This small project caught fire.
“We had no idea how many we would sell the first time. We had a goal of 25,” Drazba said. “The first year, we sold 305 banners and it’s taken off from there.”
This year, 620 banners will honor Marion County veterans.
“We accept all veterans who were inducted into the service from Marion County or have family members currently living in Marion County,” Drazba said.
Community Supports Military Banner Project
Many people have worked together to recognize these service members.
“We couldn’t do this without a lot of help. People have bent over backwards to help us,” Drazba said. “We had nothing – no office, no computer, no scanner. We need to thank the military establishments because they’re the ones that also helped us get the project off the ground.”
Support came in from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts 7201 and 3313 and American Legion Posts 584 and 162 in Marion as well as Post 605 in Waldo.
The Marion County Commissioners lent the group the Prospect Room so volunteers could meet with veterans’ families to scan photos. This year, banners were sold at the Marion Senior Center which worked very well.
Kathy Peters and Penny Richardson took the lead on sales, putting in dozens of hours.
Military Families Find Meaning
For $135, each family gets two garden banners to take home as well as the large one posted in the city from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
“There’s interesting stories that can be told about each one of those veterans. The families come and talk about some of these stories,” Drazba said.
Two Civil War veterans are among those honored. The veterans come from all military branches.
“It’s an honor to work with people who want to honor their relatives and to purchase the banner and put them up for display. It’s a legacy for the family. We’re proud to help everybody,” Drazba exclaimed.
“When we started four years ago, we had no idea how this all would come together,” Drazba said.
Many Steps to Put Up and Maintain the Banners
Volunteers walked around the utility poles to ensure a clear view. Once First Energy approves each location, city workers installed the banners.
“We thank the city for providing help to put up the banners as well as to maintain them. Sometimes we have a windstorm. We have to call on the city to help repair them,” Drazba said. “We are also thankful for the assistance from the City of Marion including former Safety Director Tom Robbins and the support staff at the City Garage: Scott Kurz, Greg Mayse, Erik Hipsher, Mitch Roberson, Jesey Burris, Brandon Mount and Bobby Ballenger.”
Marion Technical College Offers Key Support
The veterans also appreciate help from Marion Technical College for helping develop the banner project and store the banners over the winter.
“We couldn’t have gotten off the ground without a lot of assistance from people at MTC. There were quite a few people who stepped up – Carey Wolf, Amy Adams, and Laurie Vent from Upper Sandusky. Laurie was involved in the banner program there. She was really helpful that first year getting things off the ground,” Drazba said.
New Leadership Steps In
As many of the original organizers are approaching age 80, retired U.S. Army Colonels Ralph and Sherrie Litscher stepped up.
“They outrank us!” Drazba said. “They bring a lot of organizational strength. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. They’ve stepped into that role very well.”
Finding a Veteran’s Banner
When the banners are in place, the group posts a spreadsheet on their Facebook page to help people find their banner.
Stand By Your Banner on June 28
Families stood by their banners on May 24 and are invited to do so again on June 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Terry Cline is among those leading this effort with Litscher.
“The public is encouraged to tour the impressive banner-lined streets of our city to wave, and cheer with those celebrating their veteran. Over 600 banners will be on display!” Litscher said.
Related Articles
Memorial to Marion Soldiers, Sailors and Public Servants at Marion Cemetery | MarionMade
100-Year-Old World War II Veteran Shares Secret to a Long Life | MarionMade
World War II Veterans Among Those Honored | MarionMade
Honor Flight At Home Seeks Veterans | MarionMade
Banner Project honors veterans from Marion | MarionMade
Local Restauranteur Looks Back | MarionMade
Veterans Services Helps Local Military Families | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
