John Adams, the namesake for the Salineville American Legion post, received a new headstone around a week before Memorial Day from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as his had fallen in serious disrepair. Adams’ great-nephew Will Johnston (center) received help with the grunt work from post volunteers T.J. Homan, Michelle Homan, Donnie Duncan and Scott Hart. Granite is highly resistant to erosion and vandalism, so officials hope that it will fare better than its predecessor. (Submitted photo)

The now-replaced headstone of U.S. Marine John Adams, who was killed in France during World War I. (Submitted photo)

Columbiana resident and Adams’ great-nephew Will Johnston initiated the process to replace his headstone four years ago with the U.S. Department of Veterans Services.

Initially Adams had been buried in a French cemetery before his body had been relocated to its Salineville grave months after his death in 1918.

In the process of completing the paperwork to navigate the government red tape, life happened and interrupted.

Johnston’s father, who was a big advocate for the project, passed way from cancer.

Then COVID hit the Johnston family.

Johnston retired from his work in corrections and decided to take over a business venture.

Finally, with his attention firmly set back on the prize, Johnston completed the paperwork and sent it in October.

After Quantico validated everything, Johnston found himself accepting the delivery of Adams’ brand new granite headstone months later.

After the headstone resided at his Columbiana residence until installation day, Johnston was joined by volunteers from the American Legion one week before Memorial Day to swap out the old stone for a new one.

He explained that they need to have the base poured again that exists beneath the headstone to make it more permanent, as he is searching for the company to do that part of the job.

The federal government was requested Johnston have the old headstone destroyed to avoid its misappropriation as well.

“I’m just tickled pink that it is finally done,” he explained. “It was rainy and cold that day. So those individuals’ help was very appreciated.”

sujhelyi@mojonews.com