Volunteers help repair, restore Rogersville honor roll
In this photo taken in August, West Greene American Legion Post 416 members John “Buzz” Walters , left, and Ray Rutan discuss repairs and improvements that are needed for the 1945 Center Township Honor Roll in Rogersville.
Steve Barrett/For the Observer-Reporter
A recent photo of the 1945 Center Township Honor Roll in Rogersville, after the slipping glass in front of the 160-plus names of area soldiers was fixed and the trim around the names was repainted. This monument has been a Rogersville landmark since 1946.
A few area residents recently volunteered to help restore a Greene County monument dedicated to area veterans who served during World War II.
John “Buzz” Walters, a Rogerville resident and U.S. Marine veteran, said Casey Dunn, another Rogersville resident, informed him the 1945 Center Township Honor Roll was in need of repair.
The Rogersville monument displays more than 160 names honoring soldiers from the western end of the county who fought in World War II.
“Gradual wear and tear from Mother Nature caused some issues to the monument, and I am grateful to Casey for bringing it to my attention,” Walters said. “We are proud of that honor roll as it pays tribute to those who have served this great country, and we want to see it remain an important part of Rogersville for generations to come.”
Walters said he discussed the issue at the West Greene American Legion Post No. 416 August meeting and asked if any volunteers could assist in the repairs. He said West Greene residents Ray Rutan and Bill Pulkownik offered to help.
“Ray recently came down to the monument with a gentleman by the name of Jim Thomas, and within a short period of time the glass in front of the names – which was slipping – was replaced, the wood trim around the monument was repainted and other general maintenance issues were addressed,” said Walters, who serves as West Greene American Legion Post No. 416 commander.
Walters commended those involved in the monument’s repairs.
“This honor roll is placed right in the heart of Rogersville and is a fitting tribute to those who proudly served the country,” he said. “One of Post 416’s missions is community help, and I thank those who offered to help restore the honor roll.
“We need to remember our veterans … the monument is a good addition to this community and should be taken care of. Post 416 was glad to be involved in helping restore that history.”
The honor roll was officially dedicated in October 1946.