Agreements with veterans groups, Department of Youth Services expand hours, maintenance
COLUMBUS, OH - The Memorial Forest Shrine at Mohican-Memorial State Forest will soon receive upgraded lighting and care thanks to a recent agreement between the Ohio Department of Youth Services, the Ohio Federation of Womens Clubs and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
A recent agreement with the nearby Mohican Juvenile Correctional Facility now provides for expanded maintenance and access at the facility.
In addition to opening and closing the shrine, youth from the facility will ensure the proper display of the American and Ohio flags, and maintain the shrines war memorial books and visitors register. They also provide daily maintenance at the 32-foot by 24-foot sandstone structure.
The Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs is accepting donations for several shrine improvement projects, including installation of around-the-clock lighting for the American flag; installation of electricity inside the shrine; and grouting and repairing the sandstone walkways around the building; and mowing grass on the shrines grounds.
Donations can be sent to the Federation of Women's Clubs in care of Carolyn Grimme, treasurer, 8721 Tanager Woods Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249. Checks should indicate that the donations are for the Ohio Memorial Forest Shrine.
Over the years, state foresters have planted more than 310,000 trees in the area - living memorials to the nearly 20,000 war dead honored within the shrine.
Members of the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs from throughout the state were instrumental in raising the money to build the shrine, which was dedicated on April 27, 1947. The shrine was constructed as a memorial to the men and women who lost their lives in service to their country. Inside the shrine are two books inscribed with the names of Ohio's four most recent conflicts.
The Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs has helped to maintain the shrine with contributions from member clubs and individuals. Donations are kept in a restricted fund, designated specifically for the shrine.
On the last Sunday in September each year, the Ohio Gold Star Mothers sponsor a pilgrimage to the shrine and hold a special program there.