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We had such a beautiful dedication and memorial
service on Memorial Day 2009 and have received many positive comments and
cards reflecting this. The ringing of the bell while the wreath was
placed was absolutely awesome! The 21 Gun Salute always makes me
tear up and to have both the American Legion and representation from
Civil War Vets do this was heart wrenching. I cannot express the
feeling of gratitude that I have for that day, to be able to express
ourselves in this way is truly a privilege we should never take
lightly.
Wow! All I can say is thank-you!
Thank-you to everyone who came and participated in our Memorial Park
Dedication and Veteran Memorial Service: State Representative Tom
Pearce, Carl Friske, Boy Scout Troop #304, Pastor Dick Nichols, The
Algoma Baptist Church Men’s Choir, Marcie Wisneski, Laureen Hoskins,
American Legion Rockford Post 102, 3rd Michigan Volunteer
Infantry Co. F – Representing the Civil War, Sandy Ellenwood,
Historical Society members and Township Board members. And I send
out a very humble thank-you to our Guests of Honor, World War II
P.O.W.s; Mr. Russell Powell and Mr. Harold “Hap” Teesdale, your
presence made our service very special indeed!
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I also thank everyone who has contributed to the
construction of this memorial. There are so many to list and I
don’t want to make the mistake of leaving anyone out so I hope you
will understand when I just say ‘Thank-you’ once again, this
memorial could not have been done without any one of the many people
or businesses that either donated their time, products, services or
dollars.
The Historical Society will continue to sell
indefinitely the veteran bricks to raise more funds to cover any
other smaller types of memorials that we may want to add to this
park someday. These memorials may be specific to a war or a person
we have not decided at this time. Remember, your purchase of a
brick is tax deductible. We will also have DVDs of the memorial
event for sale through the Historical Society but at this time I do
not know the costs so contact Julie Sjogren (866-1583) as she will
be gathering this information for us.
In closing, if you could not be present at the
service please take a few minutes to drive by the Memorial Park
located adjacent to the Township Cemetery on Grange Avenue. I hope you will be as impressed as I am on how well it has turned
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