Pillars of the Community

words and photos by Fred Lozano, Jr.

(cover photo of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Brigadier General Isabel Rivera Smith, and Committee Member and City of Lorain 6th Ward Councilman Rey Carrion)

As the rejuvenation of South Lorain continues to pick up steam, and both businesses and citizens reinvest in the area, the love for this eclectic side of town is sparked once again by some of its most devoted supporters.

During the summer of 2020, a committee was formed to pursue the idea of creating a memorial that would not only honor Ohio’s fallen Hispanic heroes but become a destination for the entire nation to be proud of.

The Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial Committee consists of six members who have long been recognized for their commitment to the city of Lorain and dedication to continuing its rich history. Elba Armstrong, Rey Carrion, Joe Horvath, Fred Lozano, Sr., Cel Rivera, and Rick Soto make up this exploratory committee. With the help of Mary Santiago and Victor Leandry, they have been able to move forward with their plans. From state and local government to the Western New York Hispanic American Veterans Memorial Committee, this committee has been tirelessly gathering information, inspiration, and support.

For all the members of the committee, service to others is a way of life. It is a calling that they have answered time and time again, some going back as far as the 1960s as veterans, teachers, council members, police officers, city administrators, and social services directors. As true leaders in their community, they do not simply ask others to follow; they inspire others to lead. This was never more evident than at the event held Saturday, April 10, 2021, to unveil plans for the future memorial.

The event was held in the iconic Sacred Heart Chapel. The inaugural announcement had the blessing of Father Bill Thaden and was attended by a diverse group of veterans, citizens, and city leaders. Alexis (Lexi) Davila graced the gathering with a heartfelt performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by a more tropical rendition performed by Jose “Pepe” Rivera and Tony Pagan. Rivera and Pagan ended with “La Borinqueña,” the national anthem of the magnificent island of Puerto Rico. The committee used this event as an opportunity not only to gather support but to honor a great Lorain hero, Brigadier General Isabel Rivera Smith.

With a list of accolades and accomplishments that could stretch from Oakwood Park to Lakeview Beach, General Smith is the epitome of leadership and Lorain pride. A 1985 graduate of Admiral King High School, she is currently the Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard. Being honored in Sacred Heart Chapel, an edifice that holds memories for so many of Lorain’s Hispanic community, moved the general to tears.

Honors and proclamations from Senator Sherrod Brown, State Representative Joe Miller, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, and the office of The Lorain County Veterans Services solidified how incredibly proud the citizens are to have a mentor and role model the likes of General Smith.

It is exactly that sense of pride and mentorship that has inspired The Ohio Veterans Memorial Project Committee and garnered so much immediate support. The plan is not simply to move the existing monument, dedicated in 1980 by the AMVETS Post #58, but to create a “Memorial Lane.” This stretch of land, from The Ohio National Guard Armory on the corner of 36th Street and Grove Avenue, along the eastern edge of Oakwood Park to the corner of 31st Street, is currently home to the Hungarian Memorial Monument.

The committee has spent many months traveling to some of the region’s most moving veterans memorials. They have been inspired to create a monument that Hispanic veterans across the state will be proud of and that veterans from across the country will be excited to visit. The area will include benches, service flags, memorial pavers, and a monument. The committee desires to create inspiration and opportunity for other ethnic veterans’ associations to build monuments of their own and to embrace Lorain’s title as “The International City,” honoring the dedication and sacrifice that call so many to serve.

These pillars of the community, once again answering the call to service, will need the help of the entire community.

As the committee progresses, we at Lorain Local Magazine will do our part to share all pertinent information and opportunities to get involved.