The Kosciusko Honor & Remember Committee was started in 2004. Its first goal was to establish a monument in honor of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Revolutionary War Hero and namesake of Kosciusko County, Indiana, USA. The monument was dedicated on March 27, 2004, on the Main Street side of Kosciusko County Courthouse. Donald Frantz, committee member and World War II Veteran was recognized on November 11 (Veteran’s Day) that same year for his service to “others” in Kosciusko County. The Order of Kosciuszko continues today, along with the Meritorious Service Award to those who have faithfully served our many Veterans of Kosciusko County.

Veterans of the war in Vietnam were honored in Warsaw on June 1, as the traveling memorial wall of that war arrived in town. A roll call for 220 Vietnam veterans was held Friday night during Warsaw’s monthly First Friday celebration June 1.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said the tribute to Vietnam’s veterans came on the heels of ceremonies that paid tribute to veterans of the wars fought previously. “In 2014, we stood on this same spot and honored our World War II veterans on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and we continue to honor them tonight,” said Thallemer. “In 2016, we honored our Korean Veterans on this very spot and we continue to honor them tonight. But tonight, Vietnam veterans, it’s your night.”

The theme from Friday to the Memorial Service on Sunday, honoring these servicemen and women has been a reminder that “Freedom isn’t free”. Service members have laid down their lives for God and Country. Their families have made personal sacrifices, giving up their loved ones, for the personal freedoms we enjoy. This sacrifice continues today, often unnoticed.

During the Memorial Service on Sunday, 23 names were read from the “Wall” as war casualties and 75 were read as Veterans who died from this county. These are truly those who “Gave All”. God bless all Veterans, past, current, future and their Families. Last, but not least, a special heartfelt thank you goes to all those who donated their time, talents and financial support to honor the men and women who so selflessly protected the freedoms we enjoy today.

Kosciusko Honor and Remember Committee,

As A Privilege To Honor All Service Members,

Respectfully,

Ken Locke
John Sadler