Columbus Rededicates Linden War Memorial at New Location

Published on November 19, 2024

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined Columbus veterans, the Ohio National Guard and community partners to rededicate the Linden War Memorial at its new home in Linden Park, honoring Linden veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Initially dedicated in 1919, the memorial went through several stages of care and expansion at its former location within a peninsula on Cleveland Avenue. As Columbus and the Linden community continued to grow, and having incurred two crashes by passing vehicles, it was determined that the memorial needed a safer, more appropriate home in the neighborhood.

The Columbus Department of Development’s Planning Division collaborated with Linden veterans to identify and secure a new site in Linden Park that will foster safer, more inclusive access and remembrances for generations to come.

“Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for defending our safety and the freedoms we cherish,” said Mayor Ginther. “While no monument or memorial can ever bring back the loved ones we’ve lost, we must continue to ensure their lives and sacrifices are never forgotten – and properly honor their legacy in ways that are befitting their service, bravery and courage.”

Efforts to move and restore the monument began in 2022, spanning several years to research the stone pieces, survey sites for a new home, coordinate the plan with Linden veterans and track down pieces of the monument that were initially feared to be lost. In May 2024, with the support of Columbus City Council, $90,000 was approved for relocation and restoration efforts. Additionally, Columbus Realtors received a grant for the concrete slab while Columbus Memorials worked to restore the stone.