Celebrating service
A man with a lifetime of selfless deeds that began with saving lives during World War II is being honored in the city where he later continued his life of service, Lincoln City.
A city-owned plaza located at NW 18th Street and Highway 101 is soon to be named for former Lincoln City Councilor and resident Ed Johann at a public dedication ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 27.
Special guests include Johann and his family, Oregon State Rep. David Gomberg, Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke, Lincoln City councilors and members of American Legion Post 97.
Immediately following the ceremony and dedication of Ed Johann Veterans Plaza, a reception will be held at the Lincoln City Community Center. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a microphone available for those who wish to speak in Johann’s honor.
The plaza renaming project began last year when members of the American Legion Post 97, including Vice Commander Mick McLean, approached the City of Lincoln City, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department, with the idea.
“This is an extraordinary moment for an extraordinary man, who served both family, community and his country ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’” McLean said. “It was only fitting that the City of Lincoln City, American Legion Post 97 and his family teamed up for this recognition. Ed values teamwork!"
Johann’s lifetime of service is long. After joining the navy at the age of 17, he was sent to Pearl Harbor shortly before the Japanese air force attacked. He helped rescue survivors who were struggling in the water after the attacks on the American ships U.S.S. Arizona, West Virginia and Oklahoma.
He went on to travel throughout the Pacific theater of war, including Midway, Wake Island, the Figi Islands, Guadalcanal and Australia.
After discharge from the Navy, Johann served as a fire fighter in Portland for 28 years and also worked as a mountain climbing guide and member of Oregon Mountain Rescue for more than 20 years.
Later, while serving for 15 years as a Lincoln City Councilor, he never missed a meeting. He was also founder and president of the North Lincoln County Historical Museum and president of Wildwoods and Trails.
“I am overwhelmed and very honored to receive this recognition from the people of Lincoln City, the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department and the American Legion,” Johann said.
American Legion Post 97 felt the plaza name would be a fitting tribute to Johann’s many contributions, as well as recognizing all veterans. The relevant city departments involved readily agreed with the name dedication.
“Ed’s dedication to a lifetime of helping others and saving lives has made him a true role model,” said Johann’s granddaughter Rachel Howard. “Seeing the Ed Johann Veterans Plaza come to fruition during his lifetime is very much appreciated and could not have happened without the inspiration and input of a great group of Lincoln City folks.”
The plaza ceremony begins at 11 am. The following reception is at the Lincoln City Community Center, located at 2150 NE Oar Place.
For more information, go to lincolncity.org or the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Facebook page.