Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commemoration Benches topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks board approves DAR-funded granite bench at Norton Center Cemetery for 2026 commemoration
Summary
On Feb. 20, 2025, the Norton Parks and Cemetery Board voted unanimously to allow two local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution to install a granite bench engraved with Revolutionary War veterans' names at Norton Center Cemetery; installation is planned for October 2026 and will be paid for by the DAR branches.
The Norton Parks and Cemetery Board unanimously approved a resolution on Feb. 20, 2025, giving the Cuyahoga-Portage branch and the Norton branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution permission to install a permanent granite bench engraved with the names of Revolutionary War veterans at Norton Center Cemetery. The bench is planned for installation in October 2026 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and will be paid for by the two DAR branches.
Board member Ruth introduced the request and said the DAR chapters had already identified two names for the bench — recorded in the meeting as Bates Bridal and Henry Van Heining — and that local volunteers and cemetery researchers could help confirm additional names. She recommended the board adopt a resolution granting permission and signing authority.
Board members voted by roll call after a motion and second; the chair called the roll and recorded votes in favor from Miss Witzberger, Mr. Fritz, Miss Gibson, Miss Dimach and Mr. Witwer. The resolution was approved and Ruth indicated she would sign the document.
Board discussion included a request to use online resources such as FindAGrave.com to identify burials and a note that Summit Memorial’s Ken Noon had designed similar benches for the Norton Veterans Memorial. Board members said they hoped the town could host a short dedication or ceremonial event on the installation date.
Votes at a glance - Resolution to permit the Daughters of the American Revolution (Cuyahoga-Portage branch and Norton branch) to install a granite bench engraved with Revolutionary War veterans' names at Norton Center Cemetery, installation planned for October 2026 — Approved (recorded roll-call: Miss Witzberger: Yes; Mr. Fritz: Yes; Miss Gibson: Yes; Miss Dimach: Yes; Mr. Witwer: Yes). The mover and seconder of the motion are not identified by full name in the transcript. - Approval of meeting minutes (Jan. 15, 2025) — Approved by voice; roll-call details not specified in transcript. - Motion to adjourn — Approved by voice; roll-call details not specified in transcript.
Background and next steps The board recorded that the bench will be paid for by the two DAR branches and that additional research is expected to confirm names to be engraved. Ruth said she would provide the board’s signed resolution to DAR representatives and the board discussed planning a small commemorative event when the bench is installed. No city funding or permits beyond the board’s permission were specified in the meeting record.
Ending Board members expressed support for the bench and for recognizing veterans buried in the town's cemeteries. The board did not set an exact date for a dedication ceremony; members said they would return with details as they become available.
