OPINION: This hero will never be forgotten

Jul. 13—NEW LONDON — They did it right.

A ceremony was held Sunday to dedicate the Army Sergeant Patrick Ryan Carroll Memorial Highway.

"Thank you for coming out this beautiful Sunday afternoon," emcee Stephanie Rogers said. "We are here for the dedication of a portion of State Route 162, from approximately New London, Ohio to approximately Fitchville, Ohio, in memory of Army Sergeant Patrick Ryan Carroll."

This was a full-blown event, and the village certainly did it right.

Rogers singled out some of the people involved:

—Patrick's parents, Amy Griffits and James Carroll, as well as all of Patrick's family and friends.

—Ohio House of Representative from the 57th District, Dick Stein. Huron County Commissioner, Terry Boose. Army 1st Sergeant, Andy Hance. The Ohio Department of Transportation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol.

—The mayor of New London, Toby Thomas. The village of New London administrator, Shawn Pickworth. New London Township Trustees and Fitchville Township Trustees.

—New London American Legion Post 292 Color Guard. The First Baptist Church of New London, Pastor Jerry Shirley.

—New London High School Class of 1988, The 2022 New London High School Graduating Class Band Buglers (Greg and Joe Roberts)

—Bryan Goodrich, MADD Impressions, Wildcat Diner, Shannon Dyer, Gilberts Hardware, Stacey Gregory, Mark Chase, Lisa Carbone, Greg Mullins, Cindy Hay, Barb Pickering, Ben Harrison and Todd Conley

Pastor Shirley opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Stacey Gregory.

Rogers talked about Carroll.

"Patrick Ryan Carroll was born on Sept. 3, 1985 to his parents Amy and James. Through his school years he participated in many extracurricular activities and sports. Patrick made friends everywhere he went. After high school he worked several different jobs trying to find the right fit for his future. That's when he decided he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, grand-father and great grandfather. Patrick joined the United States Army.

"Through his military career, he was stationed at multiple locations across the world. In August of 2010 Patrick volunteered to go to Afghanistan.

"Army Sergeant Patrick Ryan Carroll was a proud member of the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, as well as, the 525th Battlefield surveillance Brigade 82nd Airborne Corps at Fort Brag, North Carolina.

"He prided himself of his military association and accomplishments, including the Iraq War on Terrorism and the Afghanistan War on Terrorism. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal in addition to the NATO Service, Iraqi Campaign and Afghanistan Campaign medals.

"Army Sergeant Patrick Ryan Carroll was killed in action on Feb. 7, 2011 in Afghanistan's Kandahar Providence. OUR hero is laid to rest in the Fitchville Cemetery in Fitchville, Ohio.

"This dedication has been made possible after almost 2 years of process and paperwork and (Stein) has been with us every step of the way."

The ceremony capped a big week, just days after the Fourth of July holiday.

"This past week we celebrated Independence Day," Rogers said. "As you drive past this sign, it is our hope that you will remember and honor Army Sergeant Patrick Ryan Carroll, and that these signs may be a reminder of the sacrifice our soldiers pay for that freedom.

"We would like to give a special thanks to our military past and present for your dedication, service and sacrifice for our freedom."

Now, every time you head on Ohio 162 between New London and Fitchville, you will see the sign and remember what Patrick Ryan Carroll and all members of the military are doing to protect our freedom.

Carroll's great-aunt, Wanda Stewart, said it best.

"We have lost so many young lives to keep our freedom. Our freedom isn't free. It's been 11 years. My sister counts the days. Our family will never forget him. He always thought he could make such a difference being in the Army.

"He did his part ... I don't want him to be forgotten."

Joe Centers is Reflector community editor. He can be reached at jcenters@norwalkreflector.com.