Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is recognized as the armistice between the Allied nations and Germay, the end of The Great War, or as we know it today, World War I. November 11th did not become a holiday in the United States until 1938, and then it was called Armistice Day, commemorating only those who fell in World War I. It wasn't until 1954 that the name was changed to Veteran's Day, honoring veterans from all wars.
In 1995, Marie McCutcheon, Ripley Town Historian, wrote about the War of 1812 veteran, Lt. Campbell Alexander, and his forgotten grave located near Old Route 20 in Forsyth. While Ripley has grave sites of her veteran's dating back to the Revolution, Alexander's last resting place is unique in that it does not lie in a cemetery, but rather in a small meadow on what is now property of J. Simon Watso, owner of Schloss Doepken Winery. It is covered by a 6' x 40" flat stone, the markings worn off by time and weather. Civil War veteran, Nathan Horton, first took the responsibility of tending the burial site, passing on his duties to World War I vet George "Jobie" Trump. When Trump died in 1980 the grave of Lt. Alexander was forgotten for a time, but Mr. Watso has done his best to keep it mowed and has erected a flag pole. There are no funds or volunteers to keep the memory of one of Ripley's earliest heroes alive. Mrs. McCutcheon chastised the citizens of Ripley for their failure to honor this fallen warrior.
The Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor Committee is now making sure none of her veteran's from WWI onward are forgotten. Funds have been raised over the past two years to construct a lasting, living memorial to the men and women of Ripley who have served their country proudly and honorably. The six fighting service branches of the military will be represented with the names and ranks of the many Ripley veterans who have served over the years. The memorial will be updated every year or two, to include the newest members of the U.S. Armed Services.
Two dozen members of the RVRH Committee have worked hundreds of hours to make this vision come true. Dozens of community members contributed money to get the job started. Grants were obtained, donations of time and material given by local businesses. And now, the efforts of all these good folks will come to fruition this Veteran's Day. At the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Memorial will take place. A short ceremony on the school lawn will be followed by a luncheon at Meeder's Restaurant, featuring several speakers. The public is invited and encouraged to come and honor those who gave their service and sacrifice to the country they love.