Monday, August 06, 2007
News
Veterans turn out for monument dedication
Argus-Press Photo by Anthony Cepak Master Sergeant Robert Moore helps other members of the Michigan National Guard honor guard unfold a 20-foot by 30-foot American flag being raised during a dedication ceremony for a new war memorial at the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds Sunday morning.
By CASSIE WEBSTER Argus-Press Intern
CORUNNA - Veterans and spectators from across Michigan gathered at the base of the old “cake pole” on the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds to watch as it was transformed into a monument honoring America's veterans and U.S. armed forces during a dedication ceremony Sunday.
Diana and Frank Thaler of Owosso were at the forefront of the operation to give the cake pole a more purposeful role. The pole was built in 1990 to help support the “world's tallest cake” but hasn't seen much use since.
“It's been a cake pole for so long, nobody's using it for anything else,” said Diana Thaler of her and her husband's efforts to try and revamp the pole.
“We've been trying to make it happen for many years,” Thaler said.
Shiawassee County Fair Manager Ric Crawford directed the dedication ceremony.
“It is my great honor to stand here and do this dedication for veterans past, present and future,” Crawford said.
State Rep. Richard Ball, R-Owosso, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance after an honor guard raised the flag for the first time.
The Corunna High School band's performance of the Star Spangled Banner was followed by a blast from a Williams gun fired by the Henry F. Wallace Camp 160 Civil War reenactors.
Luke Prost sang “God Bless America” before a moment of silence was held for those who have given their lives in service to America.
Master Sergeant Robert Moore of the Michigan National Guard's honor guard unveiled the pictorial stone created by Marsh Monument Company of Durand which stands at the base of the pole and states “Honoring All That Served.”
An UH-60 helicopter was scheduled to hover above the monument as it was dedicated; however, it was canceled due to a change in missions which kept it at Camp Grayling. An Air Force display was also scheduled to arrive but could not appear.
Crawford was disappointed that the helicopter could not make it, as well as the chill in the air that kept some of the audience away.
“I was hoping to see (the crowd) larger - I think the weather had something to do with it,” said Crawford, indicating the gray skies.
“It was my honor to be here. It was the best use of our new flagpole,” Crawford said.
Many hands helped to turn the old cake pole into the monument as it stands today.
Tom Burke of Michigan CAT in Novi donated the use of a high-lift, which allowed Frank Thaler to reach the top of the pole to remove the cake stands. Dan Donoghue of Donoghue Industrial Sandblasting painted the pole and Glen Wiggins of SLH Metals, Inc. attached the “trunk” mechanism to raise and lower the flag.
The project began at the end of summer last year.
“We had to wait until after fair in order to synchronize everything,” Thaler said.
It was worth the wait for those involved.
“We wanted to see the flag here, it needed to be here,” Thaler said. “It gives tribute where it belongs - back on the veterans.”
Diana and Frank Thaler of Owosso were at the forefront of the operation to give the cake pole a more purposeful role. The pole was built in 1990 to help support the “world's tallest cake” but hasn't seen much use since.
“It's been a cake pole for so long, nobody's using it for anything else,” said Diana Thaler of her and her husband's efforts to try and revamp the pole.
“We've been trying to make it happen for many years,” Thaler said.
Shiawassee County Fair Manager Ric Crawford directed the dedication ceremony.
“It is my great honor to stand here and do this dedication for veterans past, present and future,” Crawford said.
State Rep. Richard Ball, R-Owosso, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance after an honor guard raised the flag for the first time.
The Corunna High School band's performance of the Star Spangled Banner was followed by a blast from a Williams gun fired by the Henry F. Wallace Camp 160 Civil War reenactors.
Luke Prost sang “God Bless America” before a moment of silence was held for those who have given their lives in service to America.
Master Sergeant Robert Moore of the Michigan National Guard's honor guard unveiled the pictorial stone created by Marsh Monument Company of Durand which stands at the base of the pole and states “Honoring All That Served.”
An UH-60 helicopter was scheduled to hover above the monument as it was dedicated; however, it was canceled due to a change in missions which kept it at Camp Grayling. An Air Force display was also scheduled to arrive but could not appear.
Crawford was disappointed that the helicopter could not make it, as well as the chill in the air that kept some of the audience away.
“I was hoping to see (the crowd) larger - I think the weather had something to do with it,” said Crawford, indicating the gray skies.
“It was my honor to be here. It was the best use of our new flagpole,” Crawford said.
Many hands helped to turn the old cake pole into the monument as it stands today.
Tom Burke of Michigan CAT in Novi donated the use of a high-lift, which allowed Frank Thaler to reach the top of the pole to remove the cake stands. Dan Donoghue of Donoghue Industrial Sandblasting painted the pole and Glen Wiggins of SLH Metals, Inc. attached the “trunk” mechanism to raise and lower the flag.
The project began at the end of summer last year.
“We had to wait until after fair in order to synchronize everything,” Thaler said.
It was worth the wait for those involved.
“We wanted to see the flag here, it needed to be here,” Thaler said. “It gives tribute where it belongs - back on the veterans.”