First of Four Flags of Freedom Goes Up in Defiance, Ohio

Defiance, OH - The towering "Four Flags of Freedom" veteran monument in Defiance, Ohio is a striking new landmark that was dedicated in a special ceremony on June 14th at 4:00 PM at the Keller Warehouse located at 25135 Commerce Drive. Standing an impressive 120 feet tall, the monument is a majestic flagpole proudly flying the iconic American flag, a symbol of the nation's unwavering patriotism and the sacrifices of its servicemen and women. This long-awaited project has been in the works for nearly 2 years, led by Defiance County Economic Development, and is finally coming to fruition thanks to the generous support of numerous community donors. Assistant Executive Director Paige Wesche expressed her excitement at witnessing the first flagpole being raised, “It is a long-awaited occasion that was truly magical. I am thankful that we are finally able to make it happen.”

The monument's initial locations will be at the Keller Warehouse and Werlor Waste Control, with plans to install two additional poles at the ProMedica Defiance and Premier Bank Operations Center sites, pending the remaining $25,000 in funding that the organization is still working to secure.

The dedication ceremony featured reflections from guest speakers including Bryan Keller of Keller Logistics, the Defiance County Commissioners, and retired Army Ranger Clint Myers, who will no doubt extol the significance of this striking new tribute to our local veterans.

"We are the Home of the Free…Because of the Brave, and this American Flag signifies that", said Executive Director of Defiance County Economic Development Erika Willitzer.

Donors for this project included: Keller Family Foundation, Defiance County Commissioners, Werlor Waste Control & Recycling, BPOE Lodge #147, Amvets Post 1991, B&B Molded Products, City of Defiance, Enterprise Industrial Park of Defiance (in memory of Ray and Larry Plummer), Johns Manville, Michael & Laurie McCann, Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, James Tingle Family, Sabre Industries, Arthur Law Firm, Sam Switzer Realty, Citizens Bank, Ohio Gas Company, Michele Diehl (in honor of James Gillis), Dark Horse Social Club, Kathleen Goedde (in honor of James W. Goedde), Re/Max Realty of Defiance, James & Barbara Saxton. The Plummer Family in honor of Ray and Larry Plummer.