The Union County Veterans Remembrance Committee will host the annual Veterans Day Program on Sunday at 2 p.m. on the Union County Courthouse lawn at the Veterans Remembrance Monument and Plaza.
During the ceremony, Simon Shover, a War of 1812 veteran and prisoner of war (POW), will be memorialized as the “Voice from the Stone.”
Bruce “Bo” Johnstone, the docent director of the Union County Historical Society, said.
Shover enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after the War of 1812 was declared, and served throughout the conflict.
“He was taken prisoner of war at the Battle of Frenchtown, which is now Monroe, Michigan, in 1813,” Johnstone said. “He witnessed the massacre of a number of fellow POWs in the aftermath, and I believe this caused him to suffer from post-traumatic stress.”
Following the war, Shover returned to Jerome Township. Johnstone said Shover was “restless” and would probably be considered an alcoholic.
“He also was known to do risky and odd things,” Johnstone said.
Shover died at the old County Infirmary on Route 38, and he was buried on the grounds there.
“We wanted to honor him for his service in the War of 1812, and remind everyone that the struggle with PTS is not a modern phenomenon,” Johnstone said.
Furthermore, the Veterans Remembrance Committee chose to honor Shover because his name is on the monument as a local veteran and prisoner of war.
The ceremony also marks the 210th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812.
Col. (Retired) Salvatore Petrovia, a Marysville resident, will speak about his three decades of service with the U.S. Army. Johnstone will be master of ceremonies for the program. Nacrina Alvarez Blanco will perform the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” and Ellie Carter will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, Chaplain (CPT) Shane Bailey will lead the invocation and benediction.
The term “40 & 8” represents 40 men and 8 horses. The 40 & 8 Voiture #857 will present the colors for the service.
Schoolchildren, scouts and all Union County veterans are encouraged to attend this program, which is now in its 15th year.
In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move into the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
There will be 21 new pavers dedicated this year. Since 2007, more than 2,200 veteran pavers have been installed in the plaza, and over 5,850 veteran records have been published on the website, which may be accessed at www.ucvetmemorial.org, or at the kiosk at the plaza.
The Veterans Remembrance Committee’s goal is to make sure all Union County veterans are listed and honored in its database and at the plaza. All veterans are encouraged to publish their information and picture on the county website.
Those seeking more information about the veterans program may email Johnstone at trpa121cav@hotmail.com, or call 937-642-1341.