SOUTHGATE, Ky. — For decades, a World War II veteran from Kentucky wasn’t receiving the proper recognition for his heroic efforts. A high school student in northern Kentucky thought it was well past time that changed.

What You Need To Know

  • Abby Smith knew from a young age she wanted to one day join the military and got a head start joining the Northern Kentucky Young Marines in 2019

  • The group Charging Forward for America recently made Smith aware of Private First Class Edward H. Ahrens from Dayton, a marine who died in World War II at just 22 years old

  • Thanks to a generous donation from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3186 and other donors, she could put together a plaque and headstone, culminating in a ceremony attended by family members of Ahrens from out of state

  • Through the process of researching Ahrens, Smith said she gained an even greater appreciation for America's servicemen and women

“It makes you have a deeper appreciation for your country and what it stands for," said Beechwood High School sophomore Abby Smith. "And I think all of America's youth should know that because we were founded on such great principles that are still upheld today."

Smith said she knew from a young age she wanted to one day join the military. She got a head start joining the Northern Kentucky Young Marines in 2019.

“Me joining at 11, I couldn’t talk to you," Smith said. "I couldn’t talk to anybody, barely even my friends. Now, I can talk to other people. I can lead other kids."

"It’s really just changed my entire worldview of what I can do and made me so much better. It really helped me develop my discipline, teamwork, almost all of the skills you use in your life.”

Her training with Young Marines has also included military and American history and veteran appreciation. Recently, the group Charging Forward for America made Smith aware of Private First Class Edward H. Ahrens from Dayton, a marine who died in World War II at just 22 years old.

“He protected his company from a Japanese nocturnal attack, and he single-handedly defended them," Smith said. "It’s really truly inspiring what he was able to do at such a young age. You always hear stories of amazing war heroes; they have books, they have so much about them. But he has gone unrecognized for so long."

“He did have a grave, but all that it said on it was that he served, he was in the marines, and it didn’t really say that he earned the navy cross or that he protected his entire company. And I just didn’t think that should go unrecognized for all that he’s done.”

Smith started fundraising. Thanks to a generous donation from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3186 and other donors, she could put together a plaque and headstone, culminating in a ceremony attended by family members of Ahrens from out of state.

“It's just inspiring to see all of your hard work finally pay off,” she said.

Her unit commander, Lynne Arnold, said it was no surprise to see Smith take charge on such an important task.

“Every once in a while, someone like Abby comes along; hard-charging, in it for the right reasons," Arnold said. "She loves the program; she loves the opportunities given to her."

"When people trash or insult kids or teenagers today, I always just say, 'Come see my kids; just come see my kids.' They will give you hope for the future.”

Through the process of researching Ahrens, Smith said she gained an even greater appreciation for America's servicemen and women.

“I feel closer,” she said.

Smith added she plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after high school. She’s still deciding whether she wants to go into the Navy or the Marines.

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