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| Ohio Memorial Shrine (Julianne G Crane) |
Nestled in a peaceful corner of Ohio’s 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest is the Ohio Memorial Forest Shrine — the state’s official monument to nearly 20,000 sons and daughters who died in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq operations.
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| Lee and Sherian Shriver looking up relatives who served in WWII (Julianne G Crane) |
During an early autumn RV trip through the Midwest, Jimmy and I visited this quiet retreat with longtime friends Lee and Sherian Shriver of nearby Ashland, Ohio.
While we were reflecting in the 32-foot by 24-foot sandstone structure, Sherian and Lee researched several relatives who served in the military during WW II. A number of large ledgers list the name of all Ohioians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service for their country during war conflicts.
Dedicated in April 27, 1947, this Shrine continues to be a joint project of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of
Forestry and the Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.
In an agreement ODNR has with the nearby Mohican Juvenile Correctional Facility, youth now provide daily maintenance of the facility. In addition to opening and closing the Shrine , youth from the facility ensure the proper display of the American and Ohio flags.
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| Sherian Shriver (Julianne G Crane) |
It is said that since 1947, state foresters have planted more than 310,000 trees in the immediate area–living memorials to the thousands of war dead honored and remembered here.
In addition to the Memorial Shrine, according to the ODNR, the surrounding Mohican-Memorial State Forest includes 32 miles of hiking trails; 22 miles of bridle trails; 8 miles of snowmobile trails; 24-mile mountain biking trail; 10 “Park and Pack” campsites; a fire tower; 1.5-mile Discovery Forest interpretive trail.
On the last Sunday in September each year the Ohio Gold Star Mothers sponsor a pilgrimage to the Shrine and hold a special program.
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| Display cases. (Julianne G Crane) |
If you go:
Ohio Memorial Forest Shrine
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East of I-71, exit 165 on State Route 97, near Loudonville, Ohio.
Click here to read about nearby RV camping:
It is only about 4 miles east
Mohican State Park
3116 State Route 3
Loudonville, OH 44842
Camping reservations: (866) 644-6727
To read more articles about the RV lifestyle by Julianne G Crane, go to RVWheelLife.com
