New monument pays tribute to local family's rich naval history

CINCINNATI - In Section 144 at Spring Grove Cemetery, there is a new monument that pays tribute to a local family's rich naval history. The monument is affectionately titled "Captain Neeb's Corner."

Family and friends of the late Naval Capt. Lewis Neeb and his wife Bess held a dedication ceremony on Sunday. A submarine monument weighing more than 45,000 pounds was installed at the family plot.

"My dad was within a 100 yards of Iwo Jima," said Capt. Neeb's son, John, who resides in Amberley Village. "He saw the Marines go ashore and then as a ship captain he took 900 Marines to Vietnam."
   
Neeb says Sunday's dedication was a way to remember his father's service to his country and also pay tribute to his family.

"My father loved his family," Neeb said. "There are five generations in Spring Grove of Neebs. My granddaughters are seventh generation. What we have here is a continuation of a family from Cincinnati."

The monument is a replica of a Cold War era diesel submarine tower.

For the dedication ceremony, a decanter of bourbon along with two glasses were placed on the side of the monument.

"It's the Navy toast for Sundays. Every day has a toast. On Sunday, it's absent friends and those at sea," Neeb said. "I'll remember my friends, I'll remember my family and I hope you do to."