Mohawk Honor Roll monument rebuilt

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - In the 1940's the Mohawk neighborhood was a small community tucked between Central Parkway and Ravine Street.

During World War II about 25 percent of it's residents went off to serve overseas.

The area is now considered Clifton Heights and community members are polishing off a lasting memory to the men and women who served their country as part of the greatest generation.

The Mohawk Honor Roll was originally dedicated in 1945 but over the years it lost its luster, victim to vandals, damage and copper thefts.

Found broken and missing name, Army veteran Mike Kirchgessner promised himself he would fix the memorial and make it last forever.

"I feel that it's our responsibility to remember those who fought before we could," says Kirchgessner.

Kirchgessner with the help of an inspired group of volunteers realized it could not be completely restored so they decided to start over and rebuild it.

"The original monument had the names on almost all four sides on three of the four sides." The names were in copper which was eventually stolen and turned into sewer lids," says Kirchgessner.

The new names are now engraved in granite and cover three of the four sides of the new monument.

"There's not a real monetary value to granite so we're not worried about it getting stolen and it's also going to last forever," says Kirchgessner.

The monument features 607 names of servicemen and women along with room to add even more as people continue to come forward from the former Mohawk neighborhood.

"There needs to be something to remind us of their contribution," says Paul Collett.

Collett was the project manager for the new Mohawk Honor Roll, he says the entire effort has been volunteer driven and paid for by private funds and donations.

"It's been fun, it's been exciting, it's been stressful at times but I think the end product here is worth every minute of the work that's been done," says Collett.

The Mohawk Honor Roll will be officially rededicated this Veterans Day at 2 p.m.

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