Don’t forget dead soldiers who cannot receive graveside care

Don’t forget dead soldiers who cannot receive graveside care

This weekend we visit cemeteries to honor those who served our nation. We clean graves, place flowers, meditate, remember, and gather ourselves to share stories of sacrifice, bravery, duty, and honor.

“These Honored Dead” is a command that we as citizens should attend by finding the time to be among the deceased. Sadly, there are soldiers who cannot be honored this way, who cannot receive graveside care and gratitude from us, who although far removed from the challenges of war wish to continue the tradition of commemorating events that long ago caused torment, claimed youth, or required the last full measure of many lives.

I am here referring to the veterans buried at the destroyed cemetery that belonged to the Mahoning County Infirmary. To help right this wrong, I list the names of those veterans buried in the Infirmary Cemetery whose graves have been lost forever:

John Barrett, Civil War, 18th Ind. Battalion OVLA — born 1837; died Nov. 17, 1910.

Charles Holmes, Spanish American War, Company G 5th OVI — born 1876; died July 3, 1914.

John J. Jerome, Spanish American War, Company E 5th OVI — born 1878; died May 24, 1914.

James Martin, Civil War, Company G 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers — born 1843; died July 1, 1916.

Isaac Reed, Civil War, Company H 55th OVI — born 1842; died April 3, 1907.

James Ryan, Civil War, 10th Ind. Battalion, OVLA — born 1839; died April 8, 1916.

Andrew Severs, Civil War, Company C 79th New York. Dates of birth and death unknown.

J.W. Smith, Civil War, Company E 74th OVI — born Oct. 10, 1844; died Oct. 10, 1922.

John Stevens, Civil War, Company C 14th OVI — born 1843; died Jan. 6, 1915.

John Williams, Civil War, Company G 17th OVI — born 1837; died March 21, 1912.

These men deserve proper and dignified recognition for their service. They shall not be forgotten.

Tim Seman, Boardman