Lima organizations honor Veterans Day

The crisp November air carried a poignant weight Wednesday as Lima residents gathered to honor the men and women who have defended our nation's freedoms. Amidst the ceremonies, a spirit of remembrance intertwined with gratitude, particularly for Greg Gebolys, a founding figure behind the Freedom Flag Monument who passed away earlier this year. The day served not only as a tribute to those who served but also as a recognition of the enduring impact of individuals dedicated to honoring their sacrifice. Lima, a city known for its strong sense of community and commitment to American values, paused to reflect on the debt we owe our veterans.

What Happened

Several ceremonies took place across Lima Wednesday, November 11th, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The most prominent was held at the Freedom Flag Monument on Buckeye Road, dedicated in 2010 as a safe space for veterans, their families, and friends of Ohio to visit and give thanks for their service. The ceremony began at 11:11 a.m., a symbolic nod to the end of World War I. A bench was dedicated in memory of Greg Gebolys, one of the monument’s founders who recently passed away. The Lima Exchange Club also continued its 20-year tradition of displaying 100 American flags at Springview Manor and Primrose Assisted Living facilities to honor resident veterans.

The Freedom Flag Monument, envisioned by Gebolys, stands as a testament to the gratitude felt for those who have served. The monument’s purpose, according to Britt Munson, current chairman of the Veterans Freedom Flag Foundation, is to provide “a nice, safe space, quiet space to come out and think about life in general, where you need to go and where you came from.” The site also houses a building slated to be split into a museum and a food pantry for veterans in need. The Johnny Appleseed Park District provided the land for the monument, fulfilling Gebolys’s vision of a place where veterans feel seen and appreciated.

The Lima Exchange Club's flag display is another longstanding tradition. Mike Mullen, secretary of the club, explained that the initiative began roughly 25 years ago after a large-scale “Healing Field” display at Ottawa Metro Park. The flags, originally leftovers from that event, are now a cherished annual ritual aimed at honoring veterans residing in local assisted living facilities. “It’s just a way to honor the veterans,” Mullen said, “We know what kind of service they gave our country.”

Community Reaction

The tributes resonated deeply within the community, reflecting a shared appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve. Britt Munson emphasized the importance of remembering Gebolys's legacy, stating, “It’s a ‘What would Greg do?’ You always sit back, and it’s like, before you make any decisions, think of what Greg would do.” Travis Adkins, a senior official at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, echoed this sentiment: “I think first and foremost, Greg would want us to say that this is to honor all veterans.” The dedication of the bench and the ongoing efforts of the Veterans Freedom Flag Foundation demonstrate a commitment to carrying on Gebolys's work.

Food Pantry for Veterans

Beyond remembrance, the Freedom Flag Monument is expanding its service to veterans in need. Denis Glenn, a volunteer with the foundation, detailed the new food pantry initiative: “We provide, every 30 days, enough grocery items…in order to help them get over the hump for the next 30 days.” This service recognizes that even those who have served our country can face hardship and need a helping hand. The pantry will be housed in a portion of the historic building behind the monument, which was originally constructed in 1942.

The motivation behind this new program stemmed from a powerful moment Gebolys witnessed. According to Glenn, Gebolys encountered a Vietnam veteran who thanked him for his service and broke down in tears, stating he had never received such acknowledgment. “Greg said, ‘What can we do to change this?’ We wanted to tell all veterans that we see them and we thank them for their service.” A gentleman then presented Gebolys with a piece of cardboard with five little figures sticking up, which ultimately inspired the monument’s design.

What’s Next

As Lima moves forward, the legacy of Greg Gebolys and the spirit of Veterans Day will continue to shape community efforts. The Veterans Freedom Flag Foundation plans to complete the food pantry, offering a vital resource for veterans facing food insecurity. The museum portion of the building will also showcase the history and contributions of local veterans. The Lima Exchange Club intends to continue its annual flag display at assisted living facilities, ensuring that resident veterans feel honored and remembered.

The monument itself will remain a focal point for reflection and remembrance, a place where residents can connect with the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. Munson’s emphasis on “reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going” suggests a future focused on honoring the past while building a stronger, more supportive community for all. The ongoing improvements and initiatives surrounding the Freedom Flag Monument are a testament to Lima's enduring commitment to its veterans and their families – a commitment that strengthens the very fabric of our city.

Elliott’s Take

What struck me most about the Veterans Day observances in Lima wasn't just the ceremonies themselves, but the story behind the Freedom Flag Monument and Greg Gebolys’s driving passion. It speaks to a fundamental truth: that honoring our veterans isn't just about grand gestures; it's about consistent, tangible acts of service and recognition. The food pantry is a powerful example of that—a direct response to a veteran's heartfelt need. The willingness of Lima residents and organizations to step up and provide these resources reflects a deep-seated commitment to supporting those who have sacrificed so much for us.

It’s easy to get caught up in the political debates that often surround discussions of military service, but this event reminded me of something far more essential: the importance of gratitude. Strong marriages and families are built on a foundation of thankfulness, and so too is a strong community. Seeing these veterans honored, and knowing that their needs are being met by caring neighbors, is a source of genuine pride. The challenge now lies in sustaining this momentum—ensuring that the food pantry remains well-supported, the monument continues to serve as a place of solace, and the spirit of gratitude endures long after Veterans Day has passed. I encourage everyone in Lima to find ways to show their appreciation for our veterans, both through formal ceremonies and simple acts of kindness.

Resources

For those seeking to support veterans in the Lima area, several resources are available: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits and services for veterans. The City of Lima often hosts events and programs supporting local veterans. The Veterans Freedom Flag Foundation is always seeking volunteers and donations to support its initiatives; you can learn more at uawfreedomflag.com. The Lima Exchange Club can be contacted through their website for information on their community service projects.

The dedication and commitment shown by individuals like Greg Gebolys and organizations like the Lima Exchange Club are a testament to the enduring values of our community. Their actions serve as a reminder that honoring our veterans is not just a duty, but a privilege. Supporting these initiatives ensures that those who have served our country continue to receive the respect and care they deserve.

The establishment of the food pantry also highlights the importance of addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by veterans. Providing practical assistance, such as food security, can have a profound impact on their well-being and help them reintegrate into civilian life. It’s a tangible expression of gratitude that extends beyond words and actions.

The ongoing efforts to preserve the historic building behind the monument also demonstrate a commitment to honoring our past while building for the future. The museum will serve as a valuable resource for educating future generations about the sacrifices made by local veterans, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten. This combination of remembrance, service, and education is essential for fostering a strong and resilient community.

The Lima Exchange Club’s tradition of displaying flags at assisted living facilities is a simple yet powerful way to bring joy and recognition to veterans who may be facing physical or emotional challenges. The visual impact of the American flags creates a sense of pride and belonging, reminding these individuals that they are not forgotten.

As we reflect on the events of Veterans Day in Lima, it’s clear that the spirit of gratitude and service remains strong. The dedication of the bench in memory of Greg Gebolys, the ongoing efforts to support veterans in need, and the continued commitment to honoring their sacrifices are all testaments to the enduring values of our community. It’s a reminder that true patriotism is not just about words or symbols; it’s about actions that demonstrate our unwavering support for those who have served our nation.

Closing paragraph: The community of Lima has set an example for others, showing how a small town can honor its heroes and build lasting institutions of service. The legacy of Greg Gebolys will live on through the Freedom Flag Monument and the food pantry, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of gratitude, service, and unwavering support for our veterans.