The Westerville Veterans Memorial, opened in November 2022, at the Westerville Sports Complex,  blends history, culture, art and recreation with the existing sports environment at the Westerville Sports Complex to create a new signature space to honor and celebrate those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The new Veterans Memorial is a piece of the Westerville Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) master plan. More than 20 years ago, the plan was adopted (and renewed in 2014) as a strategic guide to develop, operate and maintain the community parks system. Included was a proposal to develop a space to centralize and strengthen how Westerville honors its veterans. 

“Westerville is thriving today because the generation before us made sacrifices we don’t have to make today,” said Monica Dupee, Westerville City Manager. “This corner of the Sports Complex is really becoming synonymous with the sense of patriotism many in Westerville feel, and it's the right location for an expanded veterans centerpiece.”

This project renews and replaces the smaller memorial that sat in front of the Armory on South State Street, which once housed a medical infantry unit of the Ohio National Guard. Now that the space is the home of COhatch.

The new memorial builds upon the existing marker, rising to meet the community’s tradition of honoring the lives and legacies of the men and women who have served or are serving to protect our freedoms. It is in a space well-known by the community, which also hosts the annual Field of Heroes and now 4th of July festivities.

The Field of Heroes attracts crowds in the thousands each Memorial Day weekend, and the new site for fireworks and festivities in July brought out big crowds for expanded entertainment and better visibility. The pairing of these events with a permanent Veterans Memorial space is intentional, said Irelan.

“We know that in Westerville, residents and visitors discover themselves in our parks, and this project is no different,” she said. “It presents an opportunity for residents and visitors to honor those who served this country to protect our way of life, including those who lived or have lived locally.”

What does the Memorial represent? 
Veterans who served in any one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will be represented at the Westerville Veterans Memorial, along with their families. This memorial intentionally focuses on “all” who serve, including the impact on spouses, children and other family members through service and sacrifice. There will be spaces of reflection, inspiration and storytelling, including the unique perspective of a service member’s journey.

When was the project completed?
This project was completed and dedicated on Veterans Day (2022). 

How can I get involved?
The Westerville Parks Foundation provides support to the City of Westerville for parks-related needs. If you are interested in ways to donate, visit www.westervilleparksfoundation.org. 

Additionally, to purchase a Military Banner or learn more, visit www.westerville.org/militarybanners.