Family friends honor memory of Gary Gross

0

JACKSON CENTER — A large crowd local residents and others from several surrounding counties assembled at Wally Byum Memorial Park in Jackson Center Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, to hold a “Rededication Ceremony Remembering Gary W. Gross.”

Gross, a Jackson Center resident and highly decorated war hero, was KIA (Killed in Action) in Vietnam on Dec. 16, 1968, while serving in the U.S. Army. Approximately 100 people gathered to pay their respects, and listen to stories honoring Gary W. Gross as told by his friends, family, and several local authorities including classmate Fritz Serr, Jim Knoch, Gross’ uncle, Stephen Luzader, pastor of the United Methodist Church, Bruce Metz, Jackson Center village administrator, and Police Chief Chuck Wirick.

Gross was well loved by family, friends, classmates, and his local community. They all worked together to rejuvenate his memorial replacing a small bronze plaque with a large granite memorial stone with Gross’ photos and a story about his service record, a stone memorial bench, all set in a newly reconstructed memorial garden at the park on Jackson Center’s east side.

Family members Brent Christler, left, and Jim Knoch remove the flag that covering the new monument.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/08/web1_unveiling-Gary-Gross.jpgFamily members Brent Christler, left, and Jim Knoch remove the flag that covering the new monument.

Jackson Center Police Chief Chuck Wirick delivers the closing remarks as those assembled look on.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/08/web1_Chuck-Wirick-Gary-Gross.jpgJackson Center Police Chief Chuck Wirick delivers the closing remarks as those assembled look on.

After unveiling the new memorial stone and bench, members of the Color Guard from Jackson Center American Legion Schere Post #493 hoist the American flag.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/08/web1_flag-raising-Gary-Gross.jpgAfter unveiling the new memorial stone and bench, members of the Color Guard from Jackson Center American Legion Schere Post #493 hoist the American flag.

A crowd listens attentively as Fritz Serr, classmate of Gary Gross delivers the opening remarks at the Memorial Rededication Ceremony for Gross Saturday morning
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/08/web1_Opening-Comments-Gary-Gross-Memorial-Dedication.jpgA crowd listens attentively as Fritz Serr, classmate of Gary Gross delivers the opening remarks at the Memorial Rededication Ceremony for Gross Saturday morning

By Matt Clayton

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

No posts to display