Delaware City Council partners with DAR on memorial for unmarked Revolutionary War veterans

The Delaware City Council convened on May 12, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a poignant tribute to fallen veterans and a presentation on a significant community project.

The meeting commenced with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by over 27,000 service members, including more than a thousand from Ohio, who have lost their lives in service to the country. Council members emphasized the importance of remembering these individuals, noting the personal impacts of their sacrifices on families and communities.

Following this tribute, the council moved to item 10 on the agenda, which featured a presentation from the Delaware City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The chapter introduced the "Unmarked But Unforgotten Project," aimed at commemorating unmarked graves of Revolutionary War veterans in Delaware County. The project seeks to honor these forgotten heroes as part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Linda Shields, a member of the DAR, along with Brian Gallagher from the Delaware County Veterans Services, outlined the project's goals. They reported that approximately 28 Revolutionary War veterans have been identified as having unmarked graves, some of which may have been lost to time or changes in the landscape. The initiative aims to create memorials in Delaware City, Sunbury, and Powell, serving as lasting tributes to these veterans and future unmarked veterans.

The proposed monuments will be unveiled on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, and are intended to foster respect and remembrance for all veterans who have served. The council expressed support for the project, recognizing its significance in preserving local history and honoring those who fought for the nation’s freedom.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to honoring veterans and preserving the history of Delaware County. The next steps for the Unmarked But Unforgotten Project will involve further collaboration with local municipalities and veterans' organizations to ensure the successful realization of the memorials.