Family and friends remember Hunter with dedication ceremony

About 100 people came out to remember Sgt. Jonathon Hunter on Saturday, many wearing Army green T-Shirts in his honor.

The city of Columbus dedicated a small park in Hunter’s memory at the corner of Indiana Avenue and State Street that morning. The Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Hunter, a Columbus East High School graduate, was killed by a suicide bomber while serving in Afghanistan in August. The newly dedicated park includes a plaque with an engraved image of Hunter and a summary of his Army career.

Hunter posthumously was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart among other medals.

The Indiana Avenue green space features a pedestrian friendly landscaped brick way, crushed pavement, and puzzle-piece shaped benches. Engraved bricks adopted by community members in order to celebrate the revitalization of State Street, have been installed as part of the brick way.

Mayor Jim Lienhoop and Councilman Dascal Bunch offered remarks.