Honoring Heroes: A Monument for the People, by the People
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
It’s our turn to honor the great heroes of WWII, as Ashland moves forward with their plan for “Honoring Heroes at the World War II Veterans Wall,” a monument that will be located at the corner of 17th and Carter in downtown Ashland.
The wall will be inscribed with the names of all Boyd County heroes who fought in World War II, bringing the number up to around 6300 names. With an artist’s rendering already in the works, the committee behind this plan hopes to be unveiling the finished product by this time next year.
“I think people will come from all over to look at this wall; it'll be a great attraction. And honor these, what I consider some of the greatest heroes–these people have stories and we want to get it done while there are some living ones here to still appreciate their names being on there,” explained Cheryl Spriggs, chairman of the committee behind this construction.
The plan for this monument has been in the works for several years; however, it was stalled by Covid and other extenuating factors. Now, the committee is in full swing once again.
“The reason I got involved in this project is because of the potential magnitude for the community. This will be, when it comes to fruition, just a jewel in our community for people to come from far and wide to see. The opportunity to honor all of those Boyd Countians who served in World War Two is truly our privilege,” explained Kim Jenkins, another community member who is highly involved with the creation of the monument.
The monument is meant to replicate and replace a World War II Veterans Wall that was once located by the post office in downtown Ashland. Constructed in 1945, this wall was a wooden monument at the corner of 13th and Carter that was eventually torn down in 1955. It contained around 6300 names, which were all handwritten by Young Signs. This wall, which will be much more permanent, will feature the names from this original wall as well as others that continue to be added and recognized even today.
“We’re still looking for names. We don't want to leave anybody off or misspell anybody's name–so we'll be trying to rectify that shortly as well,” commented Spriggs.
This truly has been a community effort–from welders at the college to various community members who were willing to step up to honor these heroes, this is sure to be a monument that will inspire and honor for many generations to come.
“This is probably the biggest project I've ever taken on. There’s been frustration, some disappointment, but basically staying on track with it has been the key–and to never, never forget [these heroes],” proclaimed Spriggs.
It is vital that we as a community step forward to honor our heroes. Those interested in donating to the construction or keeping up with the monument should keep an eye out for an upcoming FaceBook page, or contact Cheryl Spriggs at
