Gold Star Marker dedication held

Berlin Hts. Garden Club landscapes area, creates pollinator garden

The Berlin Hts. Garden Club held a Gold Star Marker dedication at the Oakbluff Cemetery on Sept. 15 on the shores of Lake Erie.

An unknown sailor is buried there from the War of 1812.

He was found by surveyor Almond Ruggles who is also buried there.

The Garden Club landscaped the area and made a pollinator garden there inspired by the current Ohio Pollinator Initiative.

Local American Legion Post 659 and local musical group the Moorheads started the ceremony followed by Rev. Kretchmar’s invocation, JoC Walker, Garden Club of Ohio’s Gold Star chairman, and President Mary Lou Smith.

Veteran David Costello gave a moving talk. Past President of the Berlin Hts. Garden Club and local historian Amy Hunter read a roster of local men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Jeff Finnen, Berlin Township trustee accepted the marker from club member, Wanita Adelman. Shaun Cotterill of Berlin Hts. Baptist Church read the benediction.

Post 659 performed a 3-gun salute while four members of Edison High School played rolling taps.

Many businesses and individuals made donations to help make the event a success, including Barne’s Nursery, Willoway Nursery, Berlin Township, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 659, Milan’s Lion Club, Plant America from National Garden Club provided a $1,000 grant, Walt Wlodarsky and The Sandusky Bay Archaeologoy Club.

Members of the Daughters of 1812 put a wreath on the unknown sailor’s headstone.

SUBMITTED The Berlin Hts. Garden Club held a Gold Star Marker dedication at the Oakbluff Cemetery.