Signs dedicated to Raymond Border placed on Highway 36

| July 27, 2015

DSC_0520WEST LAFAYETTE – After the West Lafayette Homecoming Festival parade on Saturday, July 25, the Village of West Lafayette recognized Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border, a Coshocton County resident who enlisted in the Navy right after high school and was killed by an IED during his second tour in Afghanistan.

“We want to recognize all veterans active, retired, and deceased,” said Mayor Jack Patterson.

Mayor Patterson introduced Jim Barstow of the Coshocton County Veteran’s Service Office.

“We cannot help but acknowledge the sacrifice of those who are drafted or enlisted in the armed forces,” said Barstow.

Barstow then asked the Border family to come up front and be recognized.

“Their worst fear came true in 2011 when they got word that their son had been killed,” said Barstow. “It was a reminder that a small town is not immune to the wreckage of war. On that day, this whole community lost a son.”

The Border family was presented with replicas of a sign that is placed on a portion of Highway 36 between the intersections of SR 83 and SR 93 that is dedicated in memory of Border.

“It brings back a lot of memories,” said Julie Border, Raymond’s mother. “Some you wish you didn’t have. It’s a great honor.”

“It’s a great honor,” said Shanna, Raymond’s sister. “The community has done so much for us. It’s more of the fact that the community still recognizes us.”

Raymond’s nieces were part of the West Lafayette Homecoming Festival Junior Queen Court. Kyra Weaver was third attendant to the Junior Queen and Alyna Weaver was second attendant.

“It’s pretty great,” said Kyra. “I’m hoping the community remembers him.”

“He was a great uncle,” said Alyna. “He always made us laugh.”

Barstow introduced Rep. Bill Hayes, whose office was instrumental in getting this legislation passed in the Ohio House.

“The heart and character of a community tends to shine through in the case of a tragedy,” said Hayes. “This town is definitely exemplary in that.”

beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com

 

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Category: People & Places

About the Author ()

I have been employed at the Coshocton County Beacon since September 2009 as a news reporter and assistant graphic artist. I am a 2004 graduate of Newcomerstown High School and a 2008 graduate of Capital University with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing. I am married to John Scott and live in Newcomerstown. We have two beautiful daughters, Amelia Grace Scott and Leanna Rose Scott.

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