Ashland Dedicates Freedom Park Monument During Patriotic America 250 Celebration
ASHLAND — On America’s 250th birthday, the City of Ashland marked the moment in a way that will stand for generations.
With more than 250 Ashland County veterans gathered for the dedication, city leaders, residents and visitors came together July 4, 2026, for the official dedication of the City of Ashland Freedom Park & Monument.
It was a hometown celebration filled with patriotism, faith, gratitude and love of country. From the opening welcome to the final words of dedication, the event reflected what many in attendance said throughout the day: Mayor Matt Miller and the entire crew at the City of Ashland did an outstanding job.
Comments could be heard from those in the crowd about how impressed they were with the event, the organization and how every detail seemed carefully planned and perfectly carried out.
The ceremony opened with a powerful tribute as more than 250 veterans were welcomed to the monument dedication. Mayor Miller reminded the crowd that those veterans represented generations of men and women who have stood firm for the cause of freedom.
“Freedom is not free,” Miller said. “It always comes at a price.”
The veterans were arranged in the shape of an American flag, with red and white stripes and a blue field visible from above by drone. It was one of many moments during the ceremony that showed the thought and care that went into the event.
State Representative Melanie Miller helped lead the singing of the national anthem, followed by Ashland County’s most senior veteran, World War II-era veteran Joe Denbo, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The event also featured Todd Kleismit, executive director of the Ohio Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America 250 Ohio. Kleismit praised Ashland for the way the community embraced the national milestone.
Kleismit said all 88 Ohio counties are participating in America 250, but added that few, if any, were doing it at the level seen in Ashland and Ashland County.
The new monument itself is massive and meaningful. Mayor Miller said the centerpiece is a 47,000-pound piece of granite from South Dakota. Surrounding it are pillars representing the branches of the United States military, each weighing more than 4,000 pounds.
Miller said the monument was created to be a permanent reminder of freedom and the cost paid to protect it. He said the idea took shape during a time when many Americans were reminded how quickly freedom can be affected and how important it is to remain vigilant.
“When you give freedom up, it always comes at a severe cost to get it back,” Miller said.
The monument includes quotes from Scripture and famous Americans, beginning with the words, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Miller said that message is central to the monument’s meaning.
“Freedom is not America’s gift to the world,” Miller said. “It is God’s gift to all of humanity.”
A part of the dedication was the recognition of Bill Buckingham, a proud United States Air Force veteran and longtime Ashland businessman and community supporter, whose generosity helped make the monument possible.
Buckingham, who is nearing his 95th birthday, spoke with humor, humility and pride. He talked about his late wife, Martha, their love for Ashland, his time serving in the Air Force as an air traffic controller and his pride in being part of the community.
“I am so proud to be a citizen of Ashland, Ohio,” Buckingham said.
Mayor Miller shared that Buckingham remembered Pearl Harbor and the way life changed during World War II. Buckingham recalled how people lined up to join the military and support America. Miller said Buckingham hopes today’s young people will understand the importance of patriotism, sacrifice and defending freedom.
The ceremony also included the Armed Forces Medley, allowing veterans from each branch to stand and be recognized. The crowd paused as “Taps” was played in honor of the nearly 1.2 million American service members who have lost their lives while serving the country since 1776.
The monument was officially dedicated with a prayer led by Kenneth Hammontree portraying General George Washington. Hammontree used words connected to Washington’s prayer at the end of his service as commander-in-chief and reflected on the nation’s reliance on God, the Declaration of Independence and the blessings of liberty.
Mayor Miller closed the ceremony by reminding the crowd that Ashland was not only celebrating America’s 250th birthday, but doing so in a permanent way.
“Here in Ashland, we are celebrating it in a permanent way, leaving a permanent marker to show future generations the value that this generation places on freedom,” Miller said.
He encouraged residents to visit the monument, read the quotes and be inspired.
The dedication was more than just a ceremony. It was a statement by Ashland, a community that loves God, honors its veterans, values freedom and believes deeply in the United States of America.
On July 4, 2026, Ashland did more than celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Ashland built something meant to remind future generations that freedom is priceless, sacrifice matters and patriotism is still alive and well in the heart of Ohio.
