Ohio Veteran's Plaza at the Ohio Statehouse

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
The Ohio Veteran's Plaza is located by the 3rd street entrance to the Ohio Statehouse.  The plaza originally started as an act of civil disobedience.  Carl Chandler and Harry Edwards, two Vietnam veterans placed a 4x8 foot piece of plywood on the statehouse grounds in 1981 as a tribute.  For their actions, the two were charged with trespassing and destruction of state property.  Senator Richard Pfeiffer heard about the incident and convinced the Ohio Legislature to allow the board to stand and then replace it with a proper monument.  For more detailed information, please see the official Ohio Statehouse website.

Impression:
The curved concrete walls contain actual correspondence sent home to family and friends by members of the armed forces involved in conflicts.  There are 2 walls, one on each side of the grounds, with 88 Ohio flags in the middle - one for each county.  Some of the letters are quite sobering.  It reminds me of a modern day Ken Burns Civil War.  Letters from soldiers writing home to their family.  If you ever get a chance to visit the Ohio Statehouse, make sure to walk the outside and see all the monuments that have been erected there.   I've lived in Ohio since 1993, and I had no idea that this Veterans Plaza existed until just recently.

22 with 22 for the 22 - OHIO

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
This group wants to bring awareness to the issue of veteran suicide and self harm.   You can find out more at their Facebook Page.

Impression:
I ran into this group purely by accident. I was down in the Short North on the 10th of September, minding my own business - checking some camera settings when I heard one of hte loudest ruckus' ever in my life.  I look up to see this:

And, yes...they are pointing right at me.  Not realizing exactly what was going on, I just shuffled off to the side of the street, waiting for them to pass.  Almost every single one of them gave me a high five as they passed.  Toward the end of the crowd, one of them handed me a yellow slip of paper.  

On it read:

"Thank you for your Support!  The men and women you see marching today have come together  for a singular cause - to draw attention to the issue of veteran suicide and self-harm.  We have all proudly served our country and wish to continue our service to each other by ensuring that every veteran has access to the help they need.  If you're a veteran and want to help out or join us, visit us at @22ohio on Facebook.  If you, a friend, or a loved one needs help, reach out to Vet2vet, a veteran staffed suicide prevention hotline at (877) 838-2838 and check out their website at veteranscall.us"

I followed them for a while, down High Street, onto Goodale Street and into Goodale Park.  There, they rested a minute.

Thick in the brotherhood, giving each other the support they had grown to depend on while in active service.  Joking when left to their own devices, but also attentive, serious and caring when fellow veterans shared their stories of attempted suicide, self harm or struggles with re-adjusting to a non-combat zone.

After the short rest, they sling their packs, flags and gear onto their backs and headed out again.

Veterans are often misunderstood and unless you have been in a combat situation, you never can really know what they have gone through.  If you know of a veteran who struggles with thoughts of suicide, self-harm or PTSD, please pass along the information above and get them in contact with someone who can help them get past the hurdles in front of them.

Ohio Statehouse Remembers 9/11 On The 15th Anniversary

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Today is the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks here in America.   The Ohio Statehouse lawn was covered in flags, 2977 to be exact in memory of those who lost their lives on that day.  Close to 90 volunteers helped with the installation.  The display will stay up until end of day 9/12.

Never forget, always remember.