As part of the America 250-Ohio Celebration, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants to recognize Ohio’s military members in a new "Letters to Home Trail."
The trail will be built at Mohican State Forest near the Mohican Memorial Shrine which honors the nearly 20,000 people from Ohio who died in conflicts from World War II to now.
The new trail will feature messages sent from Ohio military members while they were stationed overseas during wartime.
ODNR is planning for a series of signs to be placed along the trail, sharing the words written by Ohio’s service men and women that were sent home while they served in the U.S. military during various conflicts.
“The Letters to Home Trail will be a space for reflection and will also highlight what service members felt and thought during these times of conflict,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, in an emailed statement. “It’s important that these messages are shared with future generations to offer perspective and understanding to all,” DeWine said.
The messages can be from letters, emails, voicemails and text messages.
People who are interested can share their message by visiting ODNR’s website and filling out a submission form. Submissions must include the name and rank of the service member, branch of service, unit/battalion designation and Ohio hometown.
Forms will be accepted through Aug. 10. The trail is scheduled to open in November.
