War heroes will never be forgotten, Lorain mayor pledges

LORAIN — The honors continue for decorated veteran and advocate Samuel "Sam" Felton Jr., who died last year at the age of 70 following a lifetime of service. Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley announced Sunday that an ordinance will be introduced to City Council on June 7 calling for the city's Central Park to be renamed "Samuel L. Felton Jr. Central Park" in honor of the Vietnam War hero. "In this small way, we honor a man and a soldier who is saying to us from heaven, 'To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high'," Bradley said, quoting from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. Felton was honored Sunday along with all local veterans who have died on the battlefield or back home at the Lorain Veterans Council's annual Memorial Day commemoration, held at Black River Landing. This push to rename Central Park is the latest effort to memorialize Felton's legacy in Lorain. A section of East 36th Street that was named "Sgt. Samuel L. Felton Jr. Blvd." in 2018 to honor Felton for his service, and May 30, 2020, was declared "Samuel Felton Day." Felton was one of Lorain County's most decorated service members, having received the Navy Cross for heroism and the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat while serving in Vietnam from December 1968 to August 1971 with the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon returning to Lorain after his service, Felton became a tireless advocate for veterans and the community, founding and participating in a number of organizations and foundations. "The war heroes will never be forgotten," Bradley pledged. "Their brave sacrifices paved the way for a better future for all of us." Special baskets of flowers were presented Sunday in memory of two late Lorain veterans in particular: Felton and Arthur "Art" Goodman, who fought in the U.S. Army during World War II and died last year at age 94. After his military service, Goodman was known for his community involvement and frequent donations of blood, a practice that began with a direct blood transfusion he provided during the war. By the end of his life, Goodman had donated nearly 45 gallons of blood. "Art endeavored his whole life to live up to one of his favorite quotes: 'Do what is right and good,'" said Stephen Sturgill, Lorain Veterans Council secretary. "And he will be remembered fondly by those many people whose lives he touched." Goodman's community involvement included work helping young people understand the sacrifices made by veterans. He helped with an annual Holocaust remembrance program for kids at the Lorain Palace Theater and was actively involved with the Lorain Jewish Cemetery Association at Salem Cemetery until his death, Sturgill said. Also at Sunday's ceremony, Ohio state Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, spoke in support of House Bill 213, which would recognize the Honor and Remember Flag in Ohio. The bill was created to recognize Gold Star families who have lost a loved one serving in the military, or as a result of their military service. If passed by the Ohio Senate, the Honor and Remember flag would be required to fly at the Statehouse every Memorial Day under proper flag protocol. The bill passed the Ohio House unanimously this month. Sunday's Memorial Day Service, which was attended by veterans and family members from various groups in the community, also included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, American Creed and other songs in tribute to those veterans who have died. A roll call to the departed was taken by Lorain Veterans Council President Mike Kachure and Terry Taylor of the Marine Corps League. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.