EVENDALE, Ohio -- Memorial Day honors members of the military who died while serving our nation. But the village of Evendale took the day to honor all veterans with a new, permanent tribute.
The memorial bell at Baxter Park is unique, Mayor Richard Finan said: It's also dedicated to first responders.
"Our police have been shot at, our fireman now have to wear vests because of the potential of something like that happening, so they deserve it as much as the military does," said Finan, who is a U.S. Army veteran.
The bell will be housed in Evendale's new Veterans, Police and Fire Memorial Bell Tower, created by The Verdin Company. It was cast on site Sunday.
Veterans and people from the community helped getting the bell ready Monday, taking hits to knock the mold off.
Workers were putting final touches on the bell and polishing it before an official dedication Monday evening.
"It's special. I enjoy it. It's something I looked forward to," said Larry Gilland, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
For Finan and the city's first responders, it was the thrilling culmination of work started months ago.
"We are just proud to be included with those folks and happy to be out here and celebrate with this community," Police Chief Niel Korte said.
