A monument to honor current members of the armed forces from Lake Township and the Village of Walbridge is being planned by Walbridge Mayor Dan Wilczynski – with the goal of dedicating the monument by Sept. 11.
 
A letter from the mayor that asks area officials for input on the proposed monument was read Tuesday at the meeting of the Lake Township Board of Trustees.
 
The monument would be erected at Veteran’s Park in Walbridge.
 
The mayor is suggesting an inscription that thanks the residents for their service: “As you read this, please remember that you are able to enjoy the freedoms as a U.S. citizen because of the sacrifices of those that have served you and your country in the Armed Services. Please thank every service member you see, especially those shown below that are currently serving or have recently served,”
 
He is proposing a blue star be placed along with the person’s name and branch of service listed below the inscription.
 

His letter says he’s secured a donation of a piece of granite for the monument’s top, which would hold the inscription and name list.
 
The stars, he writes, would be on the monument as long as the person served in the military.
 
The 3-foot by 2-foot granite slab would sit at a 45-degree angle on a brick base, according to a sketch included with the letter. The base would be three feet high.
 
“I would like to have the dedication of this monument on or around 9/11/11 since so many members of our services are serving because of that day,” the mayor’s letter says.
 
It says he’s had the idea for a monument for several years: “We have a place in town to honor and remember those that have served, but we do not have anything to continually remind us of those that are serving. I would like for this monument to be this reminder for us.”
 
The mayor last week said the idea resurfaced when he attended a Flag Day service sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9963 in the village.
 
He said he’s hoping to also secure donations for the monument’s base.
 
Veteran’s Park is located at the corner of Main and Perry streets in the village.
 
Mayor Wilczynski said he plans to follow up on his letter and contact area elected officials, members of the Walbridge-Fest Committee, and veteran’s organizations for their input.

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