Sun intern
Milford High School seniors Kevin Hansbauer and Zachary Lorenz were approached in August, asking if they would like to take on a rather large project.
Robert Farrell, Milford Exempted Village Schools superintendent, came to Hansbauer and Lorenz, both students in the Distributive Education Clubs of America, a business and marketing class at Milford, and asked them to help raise awareness about the Spirit of 76 Memorial Gardens and Arboretum, Hansbauer said.
Located in the Miami Meadows Park in Clermont County, is a memorial park, The Spirit of 76, here Korean War veteran memorials are placed, in honor of those who risked their lives, according to Miami Township’s website.
Hansbauer and Lorenz willing accepted the offer to bring attention the park, and raise money to upkeep the beautification, Hansbauer said.
“We decided to organize a walk/run, Kevin and I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity for all to take part in, for all ages,” Lorenz said.
Next, the pair took their idea to Miami Township Recreation Director Krystin Thibodeau, then to the township’s Multimedia Manager Will Menz and then to the township trustees, who approved the promotion plan, Hansbauer said.
After that, Hansbauer and Lorenz had their idea approved by the Spirit of 76 board members, Hansbauer said.
The Remembrance at the Meadows 5K Run/Walk was held on Nov. 14. About 50 people participated in the race and others just donated.
Participants were charged $20 to take part in the walk/run. The donation paid for shirts for participants, which had a dog tag so participants could write who they were running in honor of. The remaining money from the donation went to the park.
Participants also received three raffle tickets that was announced at a ceremony following the race. Raffle items included jewelry, gift cards and tickets.
At the ceremony, veterans Bill Knepp, Luis Lasley, Robert Sterling and RJ Vilardo were recognized, and given a certificate for their hard work and an American flag.
In addition, flags were flown over the United States Capital in their name. RJ Vilardo’s wife received his gifts posthumously.
Hansbauer began the ceremony, after which a couple people spoke, including Knepp. Also to begin the ceremony, students in the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Great Oaks raised the American flag.
Knepp thanked the attendees for participating. He hopes that the event encourages more visitors to the park.
“This was an experience I will never forget. Not only did I get a chance to help the community, but I truly understood what it was like to be apart of something much bigger than myself,” Hansbauer said.