A memorial pedestal to honor the life and legacy of the late John Nanny should serve as a reminder of the impact we can have on other's lives.
Nanny, a Marine who spent the majority of his life serving his community and other local veterans, died last June. On Saturday, local veterans, community leaders and others joined his family at Wheeling's Heritage Port to unveil the pedestal, which is located beside the Gold Star Family Memorial, a monument that Nanny himself was integral in bringing to the waterfront.
Nanny's life was all about service, and the impact he had on others was on full display Saturday. Among the speakers was Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Austin "Sparky" Renforth, a Wheeling native who first met Nanny when Nanny was Ohio County Schools' truant officer. Renforth credits Nanny for his decision to become a Marine.
"I was actually a pretty good kid, but sometimes I would sway a little bit," Renforth said. "There was John and he was talking to me in such a manner that I felt the genuine care the guy had. You know some teachers and coaches have that way to connect to you. He had that, that way to connect."
Along with veterans' causes, Nanny co-founded Youth Services Inc. in Wheeling and was a past president of St. John's Children's Home and a member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization of Wheeling.
Nanny's family deserves thanks for sharing his talents and drive --particularly as it related to children -- with the community. Nanny "selflessly and unconditionally committed his life to service from the beginning," his daughter, Beth Gerken, said.
That's a path we all should follow.