Dayton Historical Society

The military memorial at the crossroad of Hwy 146 and Hwy 90 is located in front of the Stripes gas station on the southwest corner. There are five plaques - one for each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.  Each plaque states, "All Gave Some" and "Some Gave All".  Centered between the two phrases on a marble background is a round gold symbol with the name of the respective service branch. Standing in the center is a pole with the American flag. At the base of the flagpole is a stone marker that states, "Lest We Forget ... This edifice is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Military services. Never have so few done so much, for so many! September 11, 2007." It then lists the names of city officials responsible for the memorial - Steve Stephens, Mayor; Barbara Zaruba, Councilwoman; Ricky Brown, Councilman; Jay Knight, Design Architect; Haywood (Frosty) Pruitt, Mayor Pro Tem; Bill Gay, Councilman; Felix Skarpa, Councilman; and Arnold Builders, Contractor.

The military memorial in Linney Cemetery is located just past the entrance where the road splits. It states, "In memory of our veterans who served with honor in all wars. Dedicated by Linney Cemetery Association."

Marker Location: ~ 3 miles west of Dayton on Hwy 90 (south shoulder)

The military memorial at Dayton City Hall is located in front of the building. There is one large stone which states, "We, the citizens of Dayton dedicate this monument to the memory of these servicemen of World War II who gave their lives so that we may enjoy freedom. We shall forever remember their ultimate sacrifice for us.

The stone then lists the names of 11 men with their rank, armed service branch and the date of sacrifice (killed in action, missing in action). The names are Douglas D. Barrow, John E. (Jack) Flowers, John C. Friery Jr. Geator J. Harmon, Joseph L. Holitzke, Clyde D. Kay, William M. Merritt III, Vernon H. Seekamp, Calvin R. Stevens, Willie B. Waring, and Charles s. Young.

The military memorial in Palm Cemetery is located just past the entrance before the road splits. It states, "In honor of those who served our country." and then lists 124 names of Dayton citizens who have served in a branch of the U.S. Military.

The most elaborate of the military memorials is located in front of Dayton's Civic Center.  There is a seating area, a memorial fountain, a wall of honor memorial composed of 3 parts. The center part says, "To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - killed in action, missing in action, prisoners of War - KIA, MIA, POW" and then lists 14 names.  The wall on the left lists the names of 90 veterans, rank, branch of service, dates of service and location/war where served. The wall on the right lists the names of 103 veterans with all the same information. 
The other focus of the memorial is to honor the sacrifice of the Ripkowski family.  This includes a memorial stone and a Liberty County Historic Landmark marker. 

The memorial stone lists the names of the Ripkowski men who served, the war/peacetime, and the service branch. The stone is entitled "Ripkowski Brothers' Memorial Trees" and the text says "The twelve cypress trees are dedicated as living memorials to the 12 sons of Stach and Mattie Ripkowski who showed valor and honor by answering their country's call to military service - most during war time and survived to return home."

There is aLiberty County Historic Landmark marker honoring the Ripkowskis is entitled "The Stash and Mattie Ripkowski Family".  To read the text, click on the image to the left of this writeup.

In addition to this marker, the street south of the Dayton Community Center was renamed from Luke street to "Ripkowski" street.  At the dedication, a photo was taken with remaining family members holding the street sign.