Honoring our local veterans at the Wayne Library

By Sarah Shurge – Veterans Day is a day set aside to celebrate and honor all military veterans who have served. That includes those who have died in the service and the ones still with us.
In 2021, local veteran Daniel Valdez and the Wayne Public Library came up with a way to honor our local veterans for November and have continued the veterans’ display each year since.
“This is an opportunity to thank the veterans for the service they have provided and shine visibility on people in our local area that we may not realize have served this country,” said Jody Wolak, Wayne Public Library director.
The display showcases photos of veterans within the community of Wayne. Local veterans like Ron Manshardt.
You may have seen Manshardt walking around the City of Wayne or referred to him as the “Wayne street walker,” but did you know he fought for our country overseas?
Manshardt enlisted in 1966, during the Vietnam War.
He knew he was going to be drafted, and a friend suggested a way that they could get out of being drafted – enlisting. So Manshardt joined the United States Marine Corps.
Manshardt completed basic training and was sent to Vietnam, where he stayed for three months until he was wounded. While being evacuated, he got hit in the leg and was wounded again.
Altogether, Manshardt was wounded in his shoulder, left leg, left thigh, and right wrist with shrapnel.
He was taken to a hospital in Japan, where he was treated, and then stayed at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan for about seven months.
Manshardt returned to the United States, and then he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina for about a year.
Manshardt was discharged in 1969 and received a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War.
The Purple Heart is a United States Military Decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5th, 1917 with the United States Military.

Ron Manshardt

Even though Manshardt was wounded twice, he only received one Purple Heart, however, he also received his Vietnam War Veteran and United States Marine Corps medals.
“I went to fight and I survived. I’m thankful for that,” said Manshardt. “I’m thankful that I did what I did – that I enlisted rather than being drafted.”
Manshardt was working at Ford Motor Company when he took a leave of absence during his service. Once his service with the military was completed, he returned to Ford and worked there for another 40 years.
“After my service, nothing really changed in my life very much. I still had thoughts in my mind and carried hurts with me, but it never phased my life. I wouldn’t have done anything different had I not served,” said Manshardt.
One thing that bothered Manshardt for a while was when he learned a man he served with in Okinawa was sent back to Vietnam and killed in action.
“That bothered me for a while because I got close to him and he didn’t deserve that,” said Manshardt. “We have a phrase: It’s over, it’s done, get on with your life.”
And that is exactly what Manshardt has done.
At 77 years old, Manshardt does not let anything like his past, his age, or his blindness, hold him back.
Manshardt is legally blind and hasn’t been able to drive for 24 years.
“In the beginning, I really missed driving but I learned to live with it and learned to get around,” said Manshardt. “I have people that help and give rides. I’m satisfied doing what I’m doing. I’m thankful I’m still alive.”

Ron Manshardt points to his picture in the Veteran display at the Wayne Public Library. Photo by John Rhaesa

Manshardt is also able to access free Uber rides through an allowance from the VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
“I’m thankful that I served, thankful that I’m still alive, and thankful for everything veterans have done,” said Manshardt.
The veterans’ display was put up on Monday, November 4th, in the large glass display case in the Wayne Public Library lobby. Pictures will continue to be added throughout the month as they come in.
Any veterans in the area, family of veterans in the area, or anyone with a connection to the City of Wayne that is a veteran, can submit a picture for the display.
“All veterans should be appreciated more than they are sometimes. It’s an honor to be thought of like that,” said Manshardt.
You can email a picture to help@wayne.lib.mi.us with your name and branch of service. Or you can bring a photo into the library during regular hours of operation.
If you have already submitted photos in previous years, the library has saved them and will put them up again, so there’s no need to resubmit.
“It went really well last year. We have over 50 photos on display,” said Wolak. “Adults and children alike enjoy looking at them and searching for people they know.”
The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“All veterans should be proud they did what they did, and people should be proud and thankful they had people that chose to do that. If it wasn’t for veterans none of us would be around today,” said Manshardt.
Thank you to Valdez, Manshardt, and all the other veterans for their service, and be sure to check out the veterans’ display at Wayne Public Library.