(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DEDICATION … Pictured in front of the new sign are Kevin Motter (Montpelier Village Council), Melissa Ewers (Montpelier Village Council), Patti Rockey (County Recorder), Tarry Eicher (Gold Star Family Recipient), Jim Hoops (State Representative), Bart Westfall (County Commissioner), and Jason Rockey (Montpelier Village Manager).
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Montpelier formally dedicated its viaduct this Memorial Day to honor America’s fallen service members, with a special focus on POW (Prisoner of War), MIA (Missing in Action), Gold and Blue Star families.
Council Kevin Motter explained that the idea emerged several years ago, recognizing the opportunity to use two bridges on the Williams County Memorial Highway for a lasting tribute.
Motter highlighted local examples of POW/MIA service: Paul Tingle, a WWII veteran from Montpelier, who was captured in Korea and died in Camp 5. His remains were recovered in 2014 and laid to rest in his hometown, at Riverside Cemetery, in 2015.
“Every generation, every war period, there is always a number of individuals missing,” Motter states. “We have service members all over the world in unmarked graves, that is the significance of the dedication today.”
State Representative Jim Hoops and County Commissioner Bart Westfall were also in attendance. “It’s just remembering people and making sure we don’t repeat it again,” Jim Hoops explains.
“Really realize how war can be terrible. Remember that, because if not, we’re condemned to repeat it. The reason we are able to do this today is because the men and women fall for our country and our freedoms.”
The second half of the dedication acknowledged Gold and Blue Star families. Motter noted the significance of the viaduct’s location, recognizing how many families come across the bridge everyday with loved ones laid to rest there.
Located on the west end of the Williams County Memorial Highway, it looks over the Riverside Cemetery.
“Veterans, service members,” he continues, “question if their sacrifice was worthwhile. If the price they paid was worth it. If you think about those killed in action, and those currently serving, they question the same thing.”
“Will somebody forget me after I’m gone? The way things are here in Williams County guarantee that those memories, the prices paid, will not be forgotten.”
Tarry Eicher, Montpelier local, shared personal remarks about her son, Michael P. Hodshire, who was killed in action in 2005. She explains that her son grew up here in town, working as young as 5 or 6 in his grandparent’s pizza shop.
When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, he always responded with wanting to serve in the marine corps.
“Well, he did,” Tarry says with a tearful smile, “He enjoyed doing what he did overseas. He always came back to visit families at the end of his tour, then always returned to continuing serving.”
She mentions that Michael often spent his time overseas rebuilding homes for those lost in the destruction of battle.
“So with this sign, it brings a great warmth in my heart to see this here today,” Tarry adds. “I take my time going through town, slowing down, and saying their names because when we say their names, they’ll never be forgotten, and always be remembered. They live again when we say their names.”
The viaduct dedication stands as a lasting symbol of Montpelier’s gratitude. Honoring not only those who served and sacrificed, but also the families who carry their memory forward.
In naming the bridges for POW/MIA and Gold and Blue Star families, the village affirms its commitment to remembrance, ensuring future generations understand the true cost of freedom.