News : Veterans Park now honors Korea vets, Medal of Honor recipient

Ron Geiger points to the 38th Parallel on the new Korean War monument at Veterans Park.

Those attending the recent Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park in Vinton may have noticed two new memorials – one for all Korean War Veterans and a small plaque honoring the Medal of Honor recipient who was born in Vinton.

VFW and AMVETS member Ron Geiger, who lives across the street from the park, has been working with his wife, Carol, and other veterans on adding memorials to the park for a few years. Last year’s project was the Iwo Jima silhouette.

The Korean War Memorial, funded by the two veterans groups, is a tribute also to Ron’s brother-in-law, Robert Werning, who served in Korea.

Calvin Pearl Titus, born in Vinton, earned the Medal of Honor from President Teddy Roosevelt after successfully climbing a wall during a battle in the Boxer Rebellion.

Other displays at the park include an anchor donated by the family of the late Vince Blank, a U.S. Navy Veteran and former Vinton Mayor; and a Howitzer which the late Marine Larry Michael helped bring to the park.