Some say pride in America isn't what it used to be. In Gibsonburg, Ohio, we beg to differ. We welcome you to visit this small town in middle America, where American flags still gently wave in the breeze and locals wave to friends and strangers alike. In fact we have an invitation for you to take an exciting adventure to Gibsonburg, to the Northcoast Veterans museum. Although it is only open on Monday's from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. it is truly a hidden gem and worth taking an evening off to make the trip. If you enjoy looking back at Military history, up to the present time, then Northcoast Veteran's Museum is the place to visit! U.S. military heroes' displays are professionally portrayed with details of knowledge and explanation neatly displayed for you to enjoy, and the cost is your donation of any amount. Recently, Cathy from www.visitnorthwestohio.com, our host for our video blog series called "Visiting Northwest Ohio with Cathy" made a visit to the Museum and we have a featured a video of her experience at the end of this article. There is so many cool things to see in Gibsonburg, Ohio and although we spent most of our time at the museum, we couldnt leave out Williams Park, (Same park where the Veteran Museum is located) and what the locals refer to as "Sculpture in the Village", an art walking path that is adorned with dozens of larger than life sculptures that were created by area artists and placed on display for your enjoyment along with the Public Safety Service Memorial.
Several years ago a local sculptor by the name of Jim Havens, a retired steel worker, had a vision. He knew that his ambitions were big and that it would take a community rallying together to pull it off. Jim formed a committee, partnered with the village of Gibsonburg and soon, the plans were in place to create a one of a kind memorial.
It’s not just any memorial, but a memorial made from sacred steel that was recovered from the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. With the Help of Marc Glotzbecker and many other community leaders, 3 years of emails, phone calls and planning paid off. On September 11th, 2016, the Public Safety Services Memorial was dedicated as a tribute to the 9/11 tragedy, the victims who died on that frightful day and to our Nation's First Responders. Located in beautiful Williams Park, the memorial incorporates a 7000 pound piece of steel that came from the antenna of the North World Trade Center. This sacred piece of iron is artfully arranged in the memorial in a theme that incorporates all angles of the 9/11 tragedy. Visually, you will see the Pentagon and Flight 93 in addition to the Trade Centers influence on the artist’s design. While fundamentally it is a 9/11 memorial, it is designed to recognize and honor the dedication, service and sacrifices of Police, Fire, EMS and other Public Safety Services Personnel from everywhere who work to make their communities better places for everyone.
The Memorial is FREE to visit and is open dusk to dawn daily, year round. When visiting the memorial there are other interesting sculptures in Williams Park that were also made by the PSSM artist, Jim Havens. You can walk around the quarry trail and enjoy the many beautiful structures that we call Sculpture in the Village.
For more information about Northcoast Veterans Museum in Gibsonburg,
Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/History-Museum/Northcoast-Veterans-Museum-1720366058281618/
Address: 411 North Main, Gibsonburg, OH 43431
PHONE (419) 680-3217
Author/Editor, David Thornbury, Sandusky County CVB