This Veterans Day on a crisp afternoon, a small crowd gathered to witness the dedication of an artifact from World War II. The event took place on the lawn in front of Mantua Village Hall and Police Department on Saturday but was one year in the making.
The idea to refurbish the decommissioned weapon and to publicly commemorate the reason for its placement struck local resident and historian Tim Benner. “I was sitting at that stoplight last Veterans Day,” he noted, pointing to the nearby intersection, “when the idea for this project struck me.” Benner’s passion has been researching local history, then working with local groups to ensure that the information is documented for future generations.
Benner approached Mantua’s American Legion Post 193, who embraced the idea to repair and preserve the object’s history and those who sacrificed their lives for our country. Their campaign was fueled by an outpouring of donations from generous donors and businesses, many of whom supported the project in honor of loved ones who served. In addition, local businesses donated funds and services, ensuring that the project took just 10 days from removal to replacement of the updated artifact in its permanent position on the Village lawn.
A newly placed plaque near the cannon reads:
‘In honor of those who served their country, we give thanks. This WWII anti-tank weapon was presented to the Village of Mantua by the Mantua American Legion Post #193 on Decoration Day, May 26, 1947. “This gun is presented to the town as a monument to the men and women of Mantua who served in the Armed Forces.” Roy Thompson, Post #193, Commander.’
The plaque includes insignias from each of the US Military branches of services. An additional plaque was added opposite the first that reads, “In memory of those from Mantua Village who died while serving their country. WWII: Ellis L. Marsh Jr., Jack R. Van Benschoten, Claude H. Crafts; Vietnam: Kenneth R. Keefer, Robert W. Zoller II.
Benner’s passion for local history has brought the subject to life throughout the Mantua area, as his research has helped local individuals and organizations. In his address to the crowd, he noted that 1,100 village and township residents have served the country since the War of 1812, noting that an incredible 12% of the population served during World War II. (These figures don’t include those who served in recent war and conflicts in the Middle East.)
His research has enabled the community to publicly honor local men and women who served, several of whom paid the ultimate price for their service. Recent projects have included Veterans monuments in the village’s Hillside Cemetery and the Township Green, as well as historical documentation at the Mantua-Shalersville Fire District. In spring of 2024, the Crestwood High School Field House will be rededicated to honor the four Red Devil students who lost their lives in the service of our country.
